Ukrainians Protest Zelenskyy’s Firing Of Popular Defense Chief
KYIV, July 16 (Reuters) – Ukrainian lawmakers will vote for a new wartime government on Thursday amid public protests over the sacking of reformist Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov at a critical juncture in Kiev’s conflict with Moscow.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s second cabinet reshuffle in a year intensified public anger over the dismissal of Fedorov, a 35-year-old technologist who aimed to transform Kiev’s understaffed army into a more efficient fighting force.
Lawmakers said a proposed new government headed by energy executive Sergii Koretskyi could replace Fedorov with current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko; It’s a move that has eroded confidence in Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership.
Fedorov confirmed late Wednesday that his tenure at X is ending, but Zelenskyy has yet to publicly comment on the move.
Ukraine has been a prime battleground since late 2022; It attacks Russia’s oil sector and military logistics with drone and missile strikes that weaken Moscow’s war machine.
But Kiev’s forces still face overwhelming Russian advances in the east due to a critical shortage of ground troops as well as a lack of air defense as Moscow steps up attacks with ballistic missiles.
“In difficult moments, Zelenskyy behaves like a hero,” wrote Vitalii Sych, editor-in-chief of Ukrainian NV. “But we must remember that difficult moments often stem from his foolish decisions.”
Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force and a key leader in drone warfare, announced his resignation Thursday in response to Fedorov’s dismissal, calling it a “great disservice” to Ukraine’s defense.
Protests Near the Presidential Office
In Kiev, more than a thousand protesters chanted “Shame!” outside Zelenskyy’s office. gathered chanting slogans. They hold banners with phrases such as “Russians are celebrating.”
Tetiana Dzhafarova/AFP via Getty Images
The scene was reminiscent of massive protests last July, when public outcry forced Zelenskyy to reverse an unpopular measure that deprived anti-corruption institutions of their independence.
Fedorov, who previously served as Ukraine’s first digital transformation minister, has been credited with cutting red tape, escalating drone warfare and pursuing a data-driven strategy to deplete Russian forces.
But supporters say attempts to clean up defense procurement have angered some sections of the establishment. He was also criticized for failing to deliver on his promise to reform hiring quickly enough.
Zelenskyy announced his latest shakeup to widespread shock on Sunday, arguing that the government and law enforcement needed “renewal.”
He told reporters on Wednesday that he expected the defense ministry and military leaders to work with greater unity; This appears to confirm speculation that tensions are developing between Fedorov and top generals.
It was not immediately clear whether Fedorov would be offered another government job.
(Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
