Protests in Ukrainian cities against Zelensky's removal of defence minister

What Happened

Protests erupted in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov without public explanation. In Kyiv, mostly young demonstrators gathered in Ivan Franko square, holding signs reading 'Hands off Fedorov' and 'Stop sabotaging victory!' and chanting 'Shame!'. Fedorov, 35, appointed in January, was credited with energising the ministry, combating corruption, and using data to improve frontline performance. His reforms included drone warfare innovations, cyber operations via a volunteer 'IT Army of Ukraine', and an 'Army of Drones' fundraising campaign. His tenure also saw involvement in disrupting Russian Starlink use and strikes on Crimea. MPs were scheduled to vote later on Thursday on replacing him with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Reactions included Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr calling the dismissal 'the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency', protester Maria Lavrynets, 31, citing Fedorov's results, and prominent drone unit deputy commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigning in protest. Blogger Serhii Sternenko, a Fedorov advisor, called him 'the best minister of defence in our entire history'. Fedorov himself posted a list of achievements on Facebook, vowing to continue defeating the enemy 'through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organisational strength'.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Fedorov's ouster threatens to disrupt Ukraine's defence innovation pipeline, including drone warfare, cyber capabilities, and anti-corruption reforms that many in the military and civil society viewed as essential for asymmetric advantage against Russia. The protests and resignation of a senior commander signal morale risks, and the lack of a clear rationale may undermine trust in Zelensky's decision-making during a critical phase of the invasion.

Watch For

The parliamentary vote on Ihor Klymenko's appointment as defence minister; any official explanation from Zelensky for the dismissal; potential scaling of protests or further military resignations; impacts on Ukrainian drone operations, including in the Crimean theatre; and statements from international partners on the leadership change.