Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked nationwide protests after abruptly removing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that drew immediate backlash from lawmakers, soldiers, and civilians. Demonstrations erupted in Kyiv and other cities on Thursday, with crowds chanting "Shame!" and holding signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!"
Why Fedorov’s dismissal triggered outrage
Fedorov, 35, had been credited with modernizing Ukraine’s defence ministry since his January appointment, leading anti-corruption efforts and leveraging data to improve frontline performance. His initiatives included the "Army of Drones" fundraising campaign and cyber operations targeting Russian forces. Soldiers and protesters alike praised his leadership, with one soldier telling the BBC, "This is the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency."
Tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi had been simmering for weeks. Fedorov revealed he had urged Zelensky to replace Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, citing blocked reforms. Zelensky acknowledged "systemic" conflicts between the defence ministry and General Staff but insisted he was mediating the dispute.
Zelensky names interim replacement amid reshuffle
By Thursday evening, Zelensky proposed Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara, acting head of the Security Service (SBU), as interim defence minister. He described Khmara as having "unprecedented experience with technological combat operations." Meanwhile, parliament approved Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister following Yuliia Svyrydenko’s resignation earlier in the week.
Fedorov confirmed Zelensky had offered him an advisory role, which he declined. "I am acting according to my conscience," he said, adding he believed Zelensky would resolve the situation. Syrskyi, in a brief Telegram message, reaffirmed his focus on the war and wished Fedorov "continued success."
What happens next
MPs were expected to vote on a permanent replacement, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko among the names under consideration. However, Zelensky clarified no official proposal had been submitted. Protests continued as public pressure mounted, with Zelensky stating he "hears" and "reacts to what society is saying."
