Zelenskyy faces rare wartime protests over Defence Minister’s dismissal

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing an unusual wave of public protests after dismissing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has overshadowed recent military successes and sparked questions about the government’s wartime leadership.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the presidential office in Kyiv on Thursday, condemning the decision to remove Fedorov, who is widely credited with driving reforms that modernised Ukraine’s armed forces, expanded domestic weapons production and accelerated the country’s use of drone technology in the war against Russia. The protests are among the most significant public demonstrations seen in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The dismissal formed part of a wider cabinet reshuffle ordered by Zelenskyy, who argued that the government needed fresh leadership to meet the challenges of the war and prepare for the months ahead. Parliament was also expected to approve a new administration as part of the overhaul.

Critics, however, questioned the timing of Fedorov’s removal, saying it came despite notable advances in Ukraine’s defence capabilities. During his six months in office, he oversaw reforms in military procurement, expanded drone production and promoted greater transparency within the defence establishment.

The decision has also unsettled parts of the military. Deputy Air Force commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned in protest, describing Fedorov’s departure as a serious setback for Ukraine’s defence effort. Reports suggest disagreements between the outgoing minister and senior military commanders may have contributed to the decision, although no official explanation has been provided.

Addressing the controversy, Zelenskyy defended the reshuffle as a necessary step to strengthen the government during a critical phase of the conflict. He insisted that renewing the cabinet would improve the state’s effectiveness as Ukraine continues to resist Russian forces.

The protests present a fresh political challenge for Zelenskyy, whose leadership has largely enjoyed strong domestic support throughout the war. Observers say the public reaction reflects growing concern that key reforms within the defence ministry could be disrupted at a time when Ukraine remains heavily engaged on the battlefield.