Ukrainians protest Zelenskyy's ouster of popular defense minister

Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to dismiss his popular defense minister has sparked protests across Ukraine, highlighting tensions within the country's wartime leadership. Thousands took to the streets Thursday to voice their opposition to the ouster of the youthful minister, who was credited with innovating Ukraine's drone technology but reportedly clashed with the traditional military establishment.

The personnel overhaul, which also saw the prime minister replaced, comes as Ukraine's fight against Russia's full-scale invasion approaches 4½ years. Zelenskyy, who remains in office under martial law, has periodically reshuffled his government. This latest move, however, could test his political authority at a critical juncture, as Ukraine's military actions against Russia begin to show results and Moscow continues relentless aerial assaults.

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I'm just showing that if the sides can't resolve an issue, I will have to resolve it.

Zelenskyy cited friction between the outgoing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, as the reason for the changes. "I'm just showing that if the sides can't resolve an issue, I will have to resolve it," Zelenskyy stated at a news conference.

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the war has changed completely

Fedorov, 35, considered a vigorous modernizer, was in the post for only six months. He accused Syrskyi of blocking essential reforms, arguing that "the war has changed completely" due to new technologies like drones. During his tenure, Fedorov secured restrictions on Russia's access to the Starlink satellite communications system, which improved Ukraine's midrange strike capabilities and provided significant battlefield advantages. "Under this arrangement (with Syrskyi as commander), I personally do not know how the war can be won," Fedorov said, though he expressed willingness to work with Syrskyi.

On social media, Fedorov detailed his achievements, including redirecting funds to midrange strike capabilities, fiber-optic drones, and reconnaissance systems. He also pointed to expanded drone procurement, Patriot missile defense contracts, successful ballistic missile tests, and sweeping changes to military procurement. The shake-up occurred as Russian missiles hit Kyiv overnight, killing two and wounding five others, including a child, according to Ukraine's Emergency Service.

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Under this arrangement (with Syrskyi as commander), I personally do not know how the war can be won.