Zelenskyy Faces Backlash After Removing Defence Minister Amidst Military Turmoil
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Ukrainians protested after President Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Fedorov, whose controversial reforms and lack of military experience sparked divisions, raising questions about the president’s leadership and the direction of Ukraine’s war effort.
Kyiv – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to remove Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov just seven months into his tenure has triggered protests in Kyiv and other cities, reflecting public unease during a critical period of war. The demonstrations, notable for their size given the ongoing conflict, highlight growing dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s leadership and the instability his decisions are causing.
Fedorov, a 35-year-old former digital-transformation minister with no battlefield credentials, was responsible for logistics, budgeting, and anti-corruption measures in the defence ministry. His push for high-tech reforms—such as increased drone usage, AI-guided targeting, and ground robots—was controversial, with critics arguing that such changes distracted from the realities of frontline warfare and risked transparency in weapons procurement. While some analysts claim these measures improved strike efficiency, others question their impact on actual combat effectiveness against Russian forces.
Fedorov’s removal seems tied to ongoing friction with General Oleksandr Syrskii, the respected commander-in-chief who led the defense of Kyiv in 2022. Syrskii, despite criticism over casualties, has maintained control over combat planning and has reportedly resisted Fedorov’s untested reforms, prioritizing proven military strategies over experimental changes.
"He’s a young, smart, educated person who proved with his previous job that he really is a reformer and can make Ukraine a nation of the future," said a rally participant, reflecting the views of a vocal minority.
"Syrskii saved our country in 2022, but the war has changed completely, and we have to change, too," Fedorov said, accusing the general of "weaving intrigues" and causing division—an accusation that many see as an attempt to deflect responsibility for his own failures.
Protesters carried signs denouncing Zelenskyy’s decision and accusing him of undermining Ukraine’s war effort. While most servicemen wisely avoided the rallies, a few who spoke acknowledged Fedorov’s efforts but pointed out ongoing problems with recruitment, conscription, and soldier welfare—issues that have only grown under his short tenure.
Political analysts caution that Zelenskyy is now trapped in a stalemate, with parliament reluctant to approve a new defence minister and public support for the president slipping. The episode exposes dangerous internal divisions and raises serious concerns about the direction of Ukraine’s military strategy as the war continues.