Ukrainian soldiers voice discontent over dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Rank-and-file Ukrainian troops expressed anger and concern after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, citing fears that reforms and innovation in the armed forces could stall.
Ukrainian soldiers have voiced strong criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision not to re-appoint Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in a recent cabinet reshuffle. In video messages shared on Telegram, an unnamed wounded soldier said he hoped Fedorov would return, fearing that his absence would undermine what he has been fighting for.
Several servicemen, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the move as a “slap in the face” to the military and warned that it could halt ongoing reforms. One soldier, identified as Maryna, said the decision reflected a “dictatorial” trend, while another, Natasha, argued that frontline realities, such as recent MLRS attacks, made the political dispute seem distant from combat concerns.
Soldiers praised Fedorov’s efforts to modernise the armed forces, noting his role in expanding drone usage, streamlining procurement, and securing the restriction of Russian access to Starlink satellite services. Military analyst Ivan Stupak highlighted Fedorov’s push to digitise the defence ministry, describing the institution as a “swamp” resistant to change.
The dismissal appears linked to a reported clash between Fedorov and General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Zelensky said the two could not work together, and sources indicated that personal disagreements had escalated.
Critics, including anti-corruption activist Daria Kaleniuk, warned that the removal could jeopardise progress at a critical stage of the war, as Ukraine prepares for intensified Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Kaleniuk said the decision sent a negative signal about the president’s responsiveness to public and military opinion.
Zelensky has appointed acting Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara, head of the Security Service, while protests against the reshuffle have continued in several cities. Observers note that the unrest marks the first anti-government demonstrations since the full-scale Russian invasion.