UK Unveils Sanctions against Sudan Gold Networks

Ukrainian lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a new wartime government Thursday, a move overshadowed by popular protests against the dismissal of reformist Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's second cabinet shake-up in a year has ignited public anger, particularly over the exclusion of Fedorov, a 35-year-old tech expert credited with reshaping Kyiv's army into a more efficient fighting force.

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In difficult moments, Zelensky behaves like a hero. But we should not forget that difficult moments are often caused by his idiotic decisions.

The proposed new government, under energy executive Sergii Koretskyi, would see current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko replace Fedorov. This decision has reportedly rattled faith in Zelenskyy's wartime leadership. Fedorov confirmed his departure late Wednesday via X, but Zelenskyy has not yet publicly commented on the change. The move comes at a critical juncture, as Ukraine, despite recent successes in weakening Moscow's war machine through drone and missile attacks on Russia's oil sector and military logistics, still faces grinding Russian advances in the east.

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a great evil

Kyiv's forces are contending with a critical shortage of ground troops and a lack of adequate air defenses as Moscow intensifies its missile strikes. Amidst this challenging landscape, Vitalii Sych, chief editor of Ukrainian outlet NV, wrote, "In difficult moments, Zelensky behaves like a hero. But we should not forget that difficult moments are often caused by his idiotic decisions." Pavlo Yelizarov, a deputy commander in Ukraine's air force and a key figure in drone warfare, announced his resignation in protest, calling Fedorov's dismissal "a great evil" for Ukraine's defense.

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The Russians are celebrating

Over a thousand protesters gathered outside Zelenskyy's office in Kyiv, chanting "Shame!" and displaying placards that read, "The Russians are celebrating." This scene echoed major protests from July when public outcry forced Zelenskyy to reverse an unpopular measure targeting anti-corruption agencies. Fedorov, previously Ukraine's first digital transformation minister, has been praised for reducing bureaucracy, advancing drone warfare, and implementing a data-driven strategy against Russian forces. However, his efforts to reform defense procurement reportedly angered parts of the establishment, and he faced criticism for delays in recruitment reform. Zelenskyy announced the shake-up on Sunday, citing the need for "renewal" in government and law enforcement. On Wednesday, he indicated that tensions may have developed between Fedorov and top generals, stressing the need for greater unity within the defense ministry and military.

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renewal