Ukrainian soldiers have reacted with outrage after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in a cabinet reshuffle, with troops fearing the move will derail critical military reforms.
A wounded soldier, recovering from severe injuries, said in a Telegram video, “My operation is scheduled for tomorrow. I hope when I wake up, Fedorov will be back at the Ministry of Defence. Otherwise, everything I was fighting for will have been in vain.” The decision has sparked protests across Ukraine, with soldiers describing it as a “blatant slap in the face.”
Why Fedorov’s removal sparks concern
Fedorov, 35, was widely credited with accelerating Ukraine’s military innovation, including drone programs and digital reforms that helped counter Russian advances. His initiatives, such as the “Army of Drones: Bonus” scheme—rewarding troops for destroying Russian equipment—were praised for boosting efficiency. He also secured Elon Musk’s cooperation to block Russian access to Starlink, disrupting enemy communications.
However, tensions with military leadership, particularly Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, reportedly led to Fedorov’s ouster. Zelensky cited their inability to work together, while Fedorov blamed Syrskyi for blocking reforms. Soldiers, speaking anonymously, criticized Syrskyi’s Soviet-era tactics, with one calling him “General 200”—a derogatory term for casualties.
Protests and political fallout
Thousands have demonstrated in Kyiv, echoing last year’s protests that forced Zelensky to reverse a controversial anti-corruption bill. Activists warn Fedorov’s removal risks stalling progress at a critical juncture, as Russia prepares for new offensives. “It sends a very bad signal,” said Daria Kaleniuk of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Centre. “Zelensky doesn’t care what the people think.”
Zelensky has appointed an interim defence minister, but critics argue the move underscores his growing authoritarian tendencies. With Fedorov’s reforms hanging in the balance, observers are watching whether Ukraine’s military modernization will continue—or grind to a halt.
