Zelenskyy under growing pressure to reinstate sacked defence minister

What Happened

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under pressure to reinstate sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after firing commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces on 10 September 2025. Fedorov, a 35-year-old moderniser, rejected the offered post of deputy prime minister for technological development and insists on returning as defence minister, claiming it is essential to implement his army reform plans. Protests demanding Fedorov's reinstatement continue, with a rally announced for Friday evening outside Zelenskyy’s office in Ivana Franka Square, Kyiv, led by veteran Dmytro Koziatynsky. Zelenskyy’s attempt at a military reshuffle, which also replaced general staff head Andrii Hnatov with Ihor Skybiuk, has not defused tensions, as one senior army source told The Guardian that the president faces a humiliating reversal if he gives in, or prolonged protests if he does not. Meanwhile, Drapatyi announced instructions to intensify offensive operations, and Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed any impact on the frontline.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The internal dispute threatens Ukraine’s command cohesion during the war, pitting a tech-savvy reformist against a Soviet-trained traditionalist. Zelenskyy’s ability to manage the crisis will affect troop morale, public trust, and the implementation of critical military reforms, potentially influencing battlefield performance. The Kremlin’s dismissal suggests Russia may seek to exploit perceived instability, while the appointment of Drapatyi—described as a capable and Russia-hating commander—could shape upcoming offensives.

Watch For

Monitor the Friday protest rally in Kyiv for turnout and any escalation; Zelenskyy’s decision on whether to reinstate Fedorov or risk prolonging the political crisis; initial operational impact of Drapatyi’s command, especially reported intensified offensive operations and long-range strikes on Russian economic targets; potential Russian mobilization after September elections as noted by Ukrainian military sources.