Zelensky faces protests over ousting of Ukraine’s defense minister despite military gains
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Ousted Amid Military Successes and Internal Conflict
Zelensky faces protests over ousting of Ukraine – Ukraine is experiencing an unusual political upheaval as President Volodymyr Zelensky removes Mykhaylo Fedorov from his position as defense minister, despite the country’s recent battlefield achievements. The decision has triggered uncommon demonstrations in Kyiv and exposed an unprecedented division within the military establishment regarding how the conflict with Russia should be managed.
A Shocking Departure
Fedorov, who has served as defense minister for six months, announced late Wednesday that he had been dismissed from his role. The dismissal stems from growing disagreements between Fedorov and Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s armed forces chief. The 35-year-old Fedorov, who previously held the position of minister for digital transformation, has been recognized for his dynamic and innovative leadership style.
One senior European official stationed in Kyiv described the removal to CNN as “a bit of a shocker,” suggesting the move could generate significant consequences for Ukraine’s relationships with important international partners. Western allies particularly value Fedorov for his dedication to combating corruption within both the military and broader government structures.
Protests and Public Reaction
On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators—predominantly young people—gathered in Kyiv to voice their opposition to Fedorov’s departure. This represents one of the rare wartime protests in the Ukrainian capital, with the previous major demonstration occurring a year earlier when thousands called for the independence of the anti-corruption bureau.
Decisions are made based on loyalty, not data. There is sabotage of changes. There are constant lies, including about me.
Several individuals CNN interviewed expressed confusion over the decision. One protester noted that Fedorov “was the person who introduced the technology that allowed drones to do most of the fighting instead of people,” highlighting his technological contributions to the war effort.
Technological Innovations and Military Reforms
Fedorov earned considerable popularity among Ukrainian soldiers for enhancing compensation packages and improving frontline rotation schedules. He has been credited with implementing an innovative approach to both technology integration and personnel recruitment.
Under Fedorov’s leadership, Ukrainian start-up companies developed an extensive array of drones that have successfully countered Russian advances on the battlefield while causing substantial damage to refineries and pipeline infrastructure located hundreds of miles within Russian territory. Additionally, Fedorov oversaw the creation of mid-range drones that have played a crucial role in isolating Crimea, the peninsula Moscow illegally annexed in 2014.
Public Clash with Military Leadership
Despite his accomplishments, Fedorov encountered resistance from certain segments of Ukraine’s military hierarchy. On Thursday, he initiated an open confrontation with Syrskyi during a news conference, marking the most visible division within Ukraine’s defense leadership since the war commenced.
You can’t solve mobilization issue unless you there are real changes in the military. What are we offering? Lies, chaos…
Fedorov went further, asserting that the notion “Syrskyi can hold the frontline is a fake,” and accused the military chief of prioritizing internal divisions over strategies to defeat Russia. He complained that strong military leaders had been marginalized and that persistent resistance to reform continued to plague the armed forces.
Zelensky’s Response and Future Arrangements
President Zelensky acknowledged the protests on Thursday, expressing confidence that Fedorov would “remain on my team,” though he indicated that further discussions would determine Fedorov’s future role. Later that evening, Zelensky announced the appointment of Yevhenii Khmara, Ukraine’s acting Security Service chief, as acting defense minister and requested legislative support for the nomination.
I would very much like to see unity between the army and Defense Ministry, Zelensky said Thursday – but they had only communicated through him.
The timing of Fedorov’s removal proved particularly dramatic, as Russian missiles struck Kyiv early Thursday morning, with loud explosions echoing throughout the Ukrainian capital. Fedorov’s departure marks him as Ukraine’s fifth defense minister since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Support from Military Commanders
Notably, some senior commanders publicly defended Fedorov’s record. Mykhailo Drapatiy, one of the commanders Fedorov specifically mentioned, stated that “over the past six months, the military has gained a partner in the Ministry of Defense – one that not only met our needs but also demanded new approaches, faster decision-making, and support for those willing to take responsibility for those decisions.”
While the exact nature of Fedorov’s future position remains unclear, analysts suggest that his conflicts with General Syrskyi centered primarily on differing priorities for Ukraine’s military strategy and organizational reforms.
