Zelensky's dismissal of defence minister sparks protests and army chief overhaul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, prompting protests across Kyiv and other cities. Euronews reported that Zelensky cited recruitment and coordination problems as reasons for the removal and named Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as a likely successor. BBC and The New York Times noted that the unexpected ouster sparked street demonstrations in several locations. Following the dismissal, the president appointed Maj. Gen.
Yevhen Khmara as interim defence minister, a move reported by AP News that raised questions about parliamentary approval. Rank-and-file troops expressed anger and concern about the decision, according to BBC, fearing that reforms and innovation in the armed forces could stall. Amid the unrest, Zelensky considered and then removed army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as detailed by The Guardian and BBC, replacing him with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. The Guardian later reported that Zelensky announced Fedorov would return to a senior government post, but AP News quoted Fedorov declining any role other than defence minister, turning down a deputy-prime-minister offer. Protesters continued to demonstrate nationwide, demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement, while the new commander-in-chief Drapatyi assumed his duties, as confirmed by BBC and the Institute for the Study of War.
