Zelenskyy faces mounting pressure to restore dismissed defence minister amid ongoing protests
Ukrainian protesters continue nationwide demonstrations demanding the reinstatement of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, while President Zelenskyy reshuffles senior military leadership.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under increasing pressure to reinstate former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after campaigners pledged to keep nationwide protests going until his return. The protests follow Zelenskyy’s recent dismissal of army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as head of the armed forces in a broader overhaul of senior military posts.
Fedorov has declined an offer to become deputy prime minister for technological development, insisting that only a return to the defence ministry would allow him to pursue his plan to modernise Ukraine’s army. The position is currently filled on an acting basis by special forces commander Yevhenii Khmara.
Veteran activist Dmytro Koziatynsky announced a rally for Friday evening outside the presidential office in Kyiv, urging authorities to meet the protest’s second demand – the reinstatement of Fedorov. A senior army source told the Guardian that Zelenskyy faces a dilemma: reversing his decision could be seen as a defeat, while refusing may prolong the demonstrations.
In a meeting with top generals, Zelenskyy received instructions from Drapatyi to intensify offensive operations across all domains, including behind-enemy-line missions and development of new technologies. Former president Petro Poroshenko praised Drapatyi’s strategic abilities, while other senior officers warned of challenges such as a possible Russian mobilisation after upcoming elections.
The leadership dispute stems from a generational clash between the 35-year-old, tech-focused Fedorov and the 60-year-old, Soviet-trained Syrskyi, whom Zelenskyy dismissed after attempts at mediation. Syrskyi, in a farewell post, highlighted his role in defending Kyiv and Kharkiv and establishing a dedicated drone branch of the armed forces.
The Kremlin dismissed any impact from Drapatyi’s appointment, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating it would not change the frontline situation and that Russia intends to continue its full-scale offensive.