In a flurry of public outcry today, crowds gathered in Kyiv’s Bureau of the Cartoon and other Ukrainian towns to protest President Volodymyr Zelensky’s sudden decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The demonstrators—largely young people—carried placards reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory,” while chanting “Shame!” for the decision.
Fedorov, appointed in January, quickly became a central figure in revitalising the defence ministry, driving anti‑corruption campaigns and incorporating data analytics to sharpen frontline readiness. He had also spearheaded a volunteer IT Army of Ukraine, launched drone strikes against Russia, and appealed to Starlink’s founder Elon Musk to halt Russian use of the satellite network.
The dismissal comes amid rumours of a rift between Fedorov and Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, and concerns about a slower pace in restructuring mobilisation. MPs are expected to vote on Thursday on a proposed replacement, Ihor Klymenko, who currently serves as interior minister.
Soldiers, too, feel betrayed. A Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandr said: “This is the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency. I don’t believe anyone in the army or society supports this replacement.”
Maria Lavrynets, 31, at a protest in Ivan Franko Square, highlighted Fedorov’s achievements: “We see his results and the motivation of the soldiers; we should stand for them.” She lamented that the policy shift threatens the country’s defence capability.
Fedorov, in a Facebook post following his dismissal, urged the public to “continue defeating the enemy through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organisational strength.” Prominent blogger Serhii Sternenko, who served as his adviser, added that Fedorov was “the best minister of defence in our entire history” and that bureaucratic delays had stalled deeper reforms.
The protest movement now reflects a growing discontent that extends beyond Kyiv, signalling a coalition of civil society and military voices demanding clear answers from President Zelensky on the future of Ukraine’s defence strategy.
