Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Kyiv on Thursday following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's move to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, part of a significant government reshuffle that also saw a new prime minister appointed.
The shake-up occurs as Ukraine's defense against Russia's full-scale invasion approaches its four-and-a-half-year mark and may serve as a test of Zelenskyy's political authority.
Parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi, the head of state energy company Naftogaz, as the country's new prime minister. Zelenskyy had nominated Koretskyi, citing his experience in the energy sector and his potential to prepare Ukraine for another winter during wartime. Koretskyi secured 289 votes in favor.
Fedorov, 35, whose technological expertise has been credited with recent improvements in Ukraine's military performance against Russia's larger army, was expected to depart the government after six months in the role. Zelenskyy has not publicly stated a reason for Fedorov's anticipated exit. However, unconfirmed Ukrainian media reports suggest a strained relationship between Fedorov and Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Syrskyi, 60, was instrumental in organizing Kyiv's defense in February 2022 and later led a successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. He trained at Moscow Higher Military Command School and served in the Soviet Artillery Corps.
Demonstrators in Kyiv, largely composed of young people, chanted Fedorov's name and directed critical remarks toward Syrskyi, with slogans such as "Syrskyy go away!" and "A European army for a European country!" Bohdan Huryak, a Kyiv resident attending the protest, expressed his "deep outrage" at Fedorov's dismissal, telling The Associated Press that Fedorov "shows results on the battlefield" and that his removal after six months was perplexing.
Protests also took place in other Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro and Odesa.
Fedorov, prior to becoming defense minister in January, led Ukraine's digital transformation policies and was recognized as a modernizer. He gained public support for his role in developing and deploying drone technology and establishing successful e-government platforms. He had also addressed significant military challenges, including troop desertions and draft-dodging.
In social media posts, Fedorov highlighted his tenure's achievements, including redirecting funds for mid-range strike capabilities, reconnaissance systems, and expanded drone procurement, as well as securing Patriot missile defense contracts. He acknowledged, however, that he was unable to fully implement organizational reforms to "NATO standards and common sense," move all procurement to competitive tenders, or foster a culture of accountability. He stated that while officials had been dismissed under his leadership, more individuals hindering progress needed to be removed.
Zelenskyy did not formally announce Fedorov’s departure. Fedorov himself confirmed his dismissal and listed his accomplishments late Wednesday, following days of unconfirmed media reports about his impending exit.