Ukrainians Protest Zelensky's Dismissal of Defence Minister Fedorov

New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: Protests have been taking place in several Ukrainian cities against President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise dismissal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

A crowd of people - mostly young - gathered in Kyiv, holding up signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!" and chanting "Shame!". The demonstrations reflect a broader discontent among the populace and military regarding the recent changes in leadership within the Ukrainian government, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelensky has not yet explained his decision, which is causing significant upset among commentators and the military as well as parts of civil society. The abrupt nature of the dismissal has raised questions about the stability of leadership and the direction of military strategy at a time when Ukraine is heavily engaged in a protracted war against Russian aggression.

Fedorov, 35, was appointed only in January but has been credited with energising the ministry, heading a drive against corruption and using data to analyse and try to improve performance on the front line. His tenure was marked by a focus on modernising the Ukrainian military and enhancing its operational capabilities through innovative strategies and technology. Many viewed him as a reformist figure capable of breaking the mold of traditional military bureaucracy.

MPs were due to vote on Thursday on the proposed replacement as defence minister, Ihor Klymenko, who currently heads the interior ministry. Klymenko's appointment is seen as a continuation of Zelensky's efforts to consolidate power within his administration, but it also raises concerns about the continuity of Fedorov's reform initiatives.

As part of Zelensky's reshuffle, parliament approved the appointment of state oil and gas boss Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister, after Yuliia Svyrydenko resigned earlier this week. The rapid succession of high-level changes has led to uncertainty regarding the future direction of Ukraine's defense policy and governance.

There had been rumours that Mykhailo Fedorov's dismissal was linked to tensions between him and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. These tensions suggest deeper rifts within the military leadership, which could have implications for Ukraine's strategic response to the ongoing war. At a press conference on Thursday, Fedorov all but confirmed that, saying he had suggested to Zelensky that Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov should be replaced.

"When the president said he did not plan to replace Syrskyi, I... said I would learn to work with him," Fedorov said. But "all the initiatives we proposed were blocked," he added. This statement underscores the challenges Fedorov faced in implementing his vision for military reform and the potential for conflict between different factions within the military hierarchy.

"Instead of finding a way of defeating Russia asymmetrically - which is the commander-in-chief's job - he's found a way of splitting our country," Fedorov said of Syrskyi. This comment reflects a growing frustration among military leaders and troops regarding the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for a cohesive approach to the war effort.

Fedorov also revealed that Zelensky offered him to stay on his team as an adviser, but that he refused. His decision to decline the advisory role indicates a strong stance on his principles and the direction he believes the military should take. He was not seeking to antagonise the president, he explained, saying he was "confident" that Zelensky "hears the Ukrainian people, knows what to do, and the situation will be 100% resolved". This statement suggests a level of optimism in Fedorov regarding Zelensky's leadership, despite their differences.

"I don't believe he has yet chosen a side in the Syrskyi matter. I spoke with him today and said that I am acting according to my conscience," he said. Fedorov's commitment to his principles and the welfare of the Ukrainian military resonates with many soldiers and civilians who feel a strong connection to his leadership style.

"This is the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency," Oleksandr, a Ukrainian soldier, told the BBC. He had signed up to the army earlier this year because he trusted Fedorov's team and vision, he said: "I don't know anyone who supports the decision to replace him. Not within the army, not in society." This sentiment reflects the widespread support Fedorov garnered among both the military and the general public, as many viewed him as a beacon of hope in a challenging time.

"I have lots of friends in the military. Lots of them died. I don't want this to go on," Maria Lavrynets, 31, told the BBC at a protest in Ivan Franko square in central Kyiv. "We see [Fedorov's] results. We see the motivation of the soldiers, we should stand for them." This statement highlights the emotional toll the war has taken on Ukrainian families and the collective desire for effective leadership that prioritizes the welfare of soldiers on the front lines.

When he was brought in, Fedorov set off to restructure the defence ministry, which many in Ukraine see as too bogged down in bureaucracy and old Soviet-era attitudes. His efforts to modernize the military were seen as a vital step in adapting to contemporary warfare, particularly in light of the technological advancements that have played a crucial role in the conflict with Russia.

A former minister of digital transformation, he was active from the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 in setting up a volunteer "IT Army of Ukraine" to launch cyber-attacks against Russians. This initiative exemplified Fedorov's innovative approach to warfare, leveraging technology and civilian expertise to bolster Ukraine's defenses.

Later, he led a successful fundraising campaign called the Army of Drones and brought in elements of "gamification" to the war, designing a system that awarded Ukrainian military units with credits for hitting Russian assets. This creative approach not only boosted morale among troops but also fostered a sense of competition that drove operational effectiveness.

Fedorov's focus on drones, high-tech warfare and procurement continued after he became defence minister. In the early days of his tenure, he also asked SpaceX founder Elon Musk to stop Russia from using Starlink satellites for drone attacks - a move that caused considerable disruption to Russia's frontline operations and advance. His proactive measures showcased a willingness to engage with international partners to secure Ukraine's technological advantage.

His ministry also played a significant part in Ukraine's recent attacks on the Moscow-occupied Crimean peninsula, which last month Fedorov vowed to "cut off" from Russia entirely, with the use of mid-range drone strikes. This ambitious strategy demonstrated Fedorov's commitment to reclaiming Ukrainian territory and undermining Russian control in critical regions.

In a Facebook post shortly after his dismissal, Fedorov listed his achievements and said he would "continue... to defeat the enemy through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organisational strength". His determination to remain engaged in the fight against Russia reflects a broader sentiment among many Ukrainians who are unwilling to accept anything less than victory.

Prominent blogger Serhii Sternenko, whom Fedorov brought in as an adviser, hailed his former boss as "the best minister of defence in our entire history" and bemoaned the "bureaucratic obstacles and artificial delays" he said had stood in the way of deeper reform. This perspective highlights the challenges faced by reform-minded leaders in navigating entrenched systems that resist change.

Another former adviser - a tech expert nicknamed "Flash" - said being part of Fedorov's team had been an honour and added: "I had access to various systems and could analyse the actions of our enemy. I could predict their next steps. I will no longer be able to do that." This statement underscores the loss of expertise and insight that Fedorov's departure represents for Ukraine's military strategy.

Pavlo Yelizarov, a renowned drone unit commander, resigned from his position of deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force in protest at Fedorov's sacking - a move he called "a great evil for the country's defence capability". His resignation signals the potential for further unrest within the military and the possibility of a broader backlash against Zelensky's leadership decisions.

The implications of Fedorov's dismissal extend beyond immediate military concerns; they touch upon the broader political landscape in Ukraine. As the country continues to face the challenges posed by the ongoing war with Russia, the ability of the leadership to maintain public trust and military effectiveness will be crucial. The protests against Zelensky's decision to dismiss Fedorov may signal a growing divide between the government and the military, potentially undermining morale and complicating efforts to unify the country in its fight against external aggression.

As Ukraine navigates this tumultuous period, the reactions to Fedorov's dismissal will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of its defense policy and the ongoing war effort. The outcome of this situation could have lasting effects on Ukraine's military strategy, governance, and the relationship between the leadership and the citizenry.