Zelenskyy Without Defense Minister Until Mid-August

Ukraine is experiencing ongoing peaceful protests nationwide following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Federov. The Verkhovna Rada, the country's parliament, has commenced a month-long recess, leaving a significant gap in defense leadership.

Until August 16, Ukraine will be without a formal defense minister. During this period, Yevhen Hmara is set to assume the role of acting minister. Hmara is recognized for his role as the chief organizer of the "Web" operation, a large-scale, coordinated drone attack targeting distant Russian strategic airfields. This operation involved drones concealed within trucks, demonstrating a novel approach to asymmetric warfare.

The protests, dubbed "Cardboard Maidan" by media outlets, have continued for a second day in several Ukrainian cities. The demonstrations reflect public sentiment and engagement with the political situation surrounding the defense ministry's leadership change. The timing of the parliamentary recess amidst these developments adds a layer of political tension.

Meanwhile, the newspaper Delo continues to offer its readers daily updates on various topics, including fresh news as it happens, science, economy, and sports. It also provides a weekly reading section and editorial newsletters, emphasizing its role in keeping the public informed on current events and broader societal issues.