Ukrainian People Rise Up Against Zelensky’s Authoritarian Purge of Defence Minister Fedorov
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Mass protests erupted across Ukraine after President Zelensky ousted Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, exposing deep fractures within the government and highlighting the dangers of unchecked executive power. Demonstrators denounced Zelensky’s disregard for democratic process and the voices of reformers.
On Thursday, crowds of demonstrators filled the streets of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in a powerful show of resistance after President Volodymyr Zelensky unilaterally dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The protesters, many of them young and determined, held signs reading “Hands off Fedorov” and chanted slogans condemning what they see as an undemocratic and reckless decision by the president.
Fedorov, who had only been appointed in January, revealed that he had attempted to push for genuine reform by recommending the replacement of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, only to have his proposals stonewalled by entrenched interests. At a press conference, Fedorov described a 'systemic' conflict between the defence ministry and the General Staff, and rejected a token advisory role offered to silence his dissent.
Syrskyi, representing the old guard, responded on Telegram by invoking past military glories and pledging to continue the status quo, while offering Fedorov empty well-wishes. Meanwhile, parliament was set to vote on Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as a possible replacement, though Zelensky had not even bothered to submit a formal proposal. The reshuffle also saw the appointment of state oil and gas chief Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister, following Yuliia Svyrydenko’s resignation, further consolidating technocratic and corporate power.
Fedorov’s brief tenure was marked by efforts to dismantle bureaucracy, implement transparent, data-driven reforms, and expand the use of technology and drones for the people’s defence. As the former leader of the “IT Army of Ukraine” and a champion of grassroots fundraising, Fedorov’s removal is a blow to progressive forces. In a Facebook post, he reaffirmed his commitment to defeating the enemy with innovation and collective strength.
Soldiers and civilians at the protests voiced deep disappointment, expressing trust in Fedorov’s vision and warning that Zelensky’s power grab threatens morale, reform, and the very fabric of Ukrainian democracy.