Protests erupt in Ukraine over Defence Minister's dismissal

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's surprise dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked protests in several Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators expressing strong support for the popular minister.

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Hands off Fedorov

Crowds, primarily young people, gathered in Kyiv holding signs reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory!” They chanted “Shame!” as MPs prepared to vote on a replacement. Zelenskyy has yet to provide an official explanation for the decision, which has caused significant consternation among commentators, the military, and civil society.

Fedorov, 35, was appointed in January and was recognized for energizing the defense ministry, leading anti-corruption drives, and utilizing data analysis to enhance frontline performance. His removal has led to speculation about internal tensions, particularly with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov himself suggested that initiatives proposed by his team were blocked, and he implied that Syrskyi's focus was on internal division rather than asymmetric warfare against Russia.

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Stop sabotaging victory!

Fedorov revealed that Zelenskyy offered him an advisory role, which he declined. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from some, including a Ukrainian soldier who told the BBC it was Zelenskyy's "worst mistake." The soldier, who joined the army this year trusting Fedorov's vision, stated, "I don’t know anyone who supports the decision to replace him. Not within the army, not in society."

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Shame!

Maria Lavrynets, 31, echoed this sentiment at a Kyiv protest, emphasizing the visible results of Fedorov's work and the motivation he inspired in soldiers. "We see [Fedorov’s] results. We see the motivation of the soldiers, we should stand for them,” she said, highlighting the desire to avoid further loss of life.

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When the president said he did not plan to replace Syrskyi, I… said I would learn to work with him. But “all the initiatives we proposed were blocked,” he added.