Thousands of Ukrainians protested on Thursday following President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has caused internal turmoil as the nation continues its defense against Russia's invasion.
Fedorov, who was widely credited for pioneering Ukraine's drone technology and modernizing its military, was removed due to friction with Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces. Zelensky stated at a press conference that the decision was necessary because "if the sides can't resolve an issue, I will have to resolve it." He indicated that the conflict was not solely personal but stemmed from broader issues between the Defense Ministry and the military leadership.
The dismissal has been met with significant public backlash. Protesters in Kyiv and other cities expressed outrage, with many holding banners and chanting slogans critical of Syrskyi. "I'm not deeply invested in the internal political debates, but this is a person who shows results on the battlefield," said Kyiv resident Bohdan Huryak, reflecting the sentiment of many who supported Fedorov.
Fedorov, 35, who had served in the post for six months, defended his tenure, highlighting advancements in drone procurement, missile defense contracts, and improvements to military acquisition processes. He claimed that his reform initiatives were being blocked by Syrskyi, stating, "Under this arrangement (with Syrskyi as commander), I personally do not know how the war can be won." He also noted that he was unable to complete the ministry's organizational transformation according to NATO standards and establish a culture of accountability.
The reshuffled government also saw the parliament approve Serhii Koretskyi, head of the state energy company Naftogaz, as the new prime minister. Zelensky nominated Koretskyi, citing his experience in the energy sector as crucial for guiding Ukraine through another winter of intensified Russian attacks on its power grid.
Syrskyi, who organized the defense of Kyiv in February 2022 and led a successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, thanked Fedorov in a Facebook post and expressed hope for his continued service to Ukraine.
The personnel changes come at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine reporting successes against Russian forces, including strikes on energy infrastructure. Overnight, Russian missiles struck the capital, Kyiv, killing two people and wounding five others, including a child, according to Ukraine's Emergency Service.
Prior to his appointment as defense minister, Fedorov was instrumental in Ukraine's digital transformation policies, gaining popularity for his work on drone technology and e-government platforms. He also made efforts to combat corruption within the ministry, a key concern for many Ukrainians.
The deputy commander of Ukraine's air force, Col. Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned in protest of Fedorov's dismissal, warning in a social media post that it would weaken the country's air defenses and lead to more casualties from Russian attacks. Pro-Kremlin commentators, meanwhile, described Fedorov's comments as a "rebellion" against Zelensky.
Zelensky, who remains in office under martial law due to the prohibition of wartime elections, has conducted periodic government reshuffles since the full-scale invasion began. The current shake-up represents a significant test of his authority amid the protracted conflict.
