Ukraine's Zelensky reshuffles cabinet, sparking protests over defense minister's dismissal

Ukraine's government has undergone a significant shake-up, with Sergiy Koretskyi appointed as the new prime minister. The surprise reshuffle, orchestrated by President Volodymyr Zelensky, has sent political shockwaves through the country, primarily due to the dismissal of the young and popular Defense Minister Mykhaylo Fedorov.

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I have entrusted Yevgeny Khmara with the interim ministerial post and the continuation of the defense sector reform.

Fedorov's departure, after just one year in office, has ignited rare public protests in cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv. These demonstrations occurred despite ongoing nightly attacks, which resulted in casualties. The former defense minister explained in a briefing that his removal stemmed from friction with the commander of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. Fedorov claimed Syrsky was more focused on internal divisions than on defeating Russia.

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Syrsky is ready to weave intrigues and not to recognize the problem.

Zelensky appointed career intelligence official Yevgeny Khmara as interim defense minister, citing Khmara's "solid experience" within the SBU, Ukraine's security service. Fedorov, known for his modernizing approach, had reportedly clashed with Syrsky, even requesting his removal from Zelensky. When the president refused, Fedorov stated that "all the initiatives we proposed began to be blocked" by the military, accusing Syrsky of "weaving intrigues."

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We found ourselves facing the fact that all the initiatives we proposed began to be blocked by the army.

The public outcry has been significant, with hundreds gathering in squares waving Ukrainian and EU flags and chanting slogans like "shame" and "bring back Fedorov." Concerns are high that the removal of a key defense figure could introduce instability at a time when Ukraine is cautiously optimistic about its campaign targeting Russian oil sites. The Kremlin, meanwhile, commented that the identity of the defense minister is less important than a responsible decision-maker who can achieve a peaceful solution, implying a surrender from Kyiv.

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It doesn't matter much who the minister of defense is, as long as there is someone who makes a responsible decision and allows a peaceful solution to be reached.