Thousands in Kyiv demand resignation of army chief General Syrsky

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Kyiv, chanting "Syrsky, resign!" and demanding the dismissal of the Ukrainian army's commander-in-chief, General Syrsky. The protests erupted following the abrupt removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had served in the crucial wartime role for only six months.

The demonstrations, held in Ivan Franko Square in the capital's center, have occurred daily since Thursday. Protesters directed their anger towards President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose administration building overlooks the square. Chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" echoed through the evening air.

While the protests are fueled by the defense minister's dismissal, the primary target of the demonstrators' ire is General Syrsky. Reports suggest that Syrsky influenced President Zelensky's decision to remove Fedorov, leading to public backlash against the military leadership. The protesters' dissatisfaction stems not from battlefield defeats, but from perceived political maneuvering within the government and military command.