Conflict & Security
Kyiv protesters oppose Zelensky's dismissal of defence minister
Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv on Friday for a second day of protests against President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a disputed reshuffle. Many protesters carried Ukrainian flags and placards supporting Fedorov.
Fedorov had been defence minister for less than six months. During that time, he repeatedly clashed with Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, over his efforts to digitise and modernise an army worn down by four years of fighting Russia's invasion.
A day after being forced to resign, Fedorov accused Syrsky of dividing the country. He criticised slow bureaucracy and a lack of flexibility, and questioned whether Ukraine could defeat Russia with Syrsky in command of the army.
Zelensky said the two sides were barely speaking to each other and called for unity. He said a wartime president should not have to choose in such a situation. After Fedorov's removal, Zelensky appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, head of Ukraine's SBU security service, as acting defence minister.
About 1,000 people protested Fedorov's removal in Kyiv on Thursday, and protests were also held in other cities. During his time as defence minister, Fedorov raised military salaries, announced plans for partial demobilisation and introduced game-like reward systems for units that killed the most Russian soldiers.
Fedorov has never served in the army and often clashed with the military command's more traditional approach. He also had supporters among Ukraine's Western partners. The source said several had contacted him after his dismissal, including Palantir CEO Alex Karp. A June 2026 poll by the Kyiv Institute of Sociology ranked Fedorov among Ukraine's most trusted public figures.
Update
Protests continued in Kyiv for a second day, with thousands attending on Friday.
Fedorov accused commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky of dividing the country after being forced to resign.
Zelensky said he wanted unity and that a wartime president should not have to choose between the sides.
Zelensky appointed SBU chief Yevgeniy Khmara as acting defence minister.
The source gives details of Fedorov's tenure, including higher military salaries, partial demobilisation plans and reward systems for units.
A June 2026 Kyiv Institute of Sociology poll ranked Fedorov among Ukraine's most trusted public figures.
Source note: AFP news report published on 17 July 2026 at 19:34:42 UTC.
Update
The protest took place for a second day running.
Fedorov repeatedly clashed with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky over efforts to digitise and modernise the army.
Fedorov accused Syrsky of dividing the country after being forced to resign.
Fedorov criticised slow bureaucracy and a lack of flexibility, and questioned whether Ukraine could defeat Russia with Syrsky in charge of the army.
Zelensky said the two sides were barely on speaking terms and said he wanted unity.
Source note: AFP news report published on 17 July 2026 at 19:07:05 UTC.
Update
Protesters gathered in Kyiv for a second day running.
Many protesters were carrying Ukrainian flags.
An AFP journalist saw the protest in the capital.
Source note: AFP news report published on 17 July 2026 at 18:50:42 UTC.
Update
Thousands of people protested in Kyiv over the sacking of Ukraine's defence minister.
Source note: AFP news report published on 17 July 2026 at 18:37:24 UTC.
Update
Zelensky said the reshuffle was needed to prepare the country for winter, a task entrusted to new prime minister Sergiy Koretsky.
Political expert Volodymyr Fesenko linked the timing to Zelensky's reported wish to appoint former prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko as US ambassador.
Zelensky appointed Yevgeniy Khmara as acting defence minister pending a parliamentary vote.
A deputy air force commander resigned in protest at Mykhailo Fedorov's removal.
Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty said the army needs change and must not halt reforms.
A senior European diplomat told AFP the situation was concerning for Ukraine's backers.
Drone pioneer Maria Berlinska and a Ukrainian front-line soldier criticised or questioned the decision.
Source note: AFP news report published on 17 July 2026 at 13:13:00 UTC.
Update
Ukraine's parliament approved Sergiy Koretsky, former head of state gas operator Naftogaz, as prime minister and approved most of his team.
Zelensky said it was important to prepare the country for winter and entrusted that task to Koretsky.
Political expert Volodymyr Fesenko linked the reshuffle to Zelensky's reported wish to appoint former prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko as US ambassador.
Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official, was appointed acting defence minister.
Formal appointment of a defence minister still requires parliamentary approval, and no session had been scheduled.
Fresh protests calling for Fedorov's reinstatement were planned for Friday evening in various Ukrainian cities.
The source includes reactions from a deputy air force commander, Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty, drone pioneer Maria Berlinska and a Ukrainian front-line soldier.
Source note: AFP news report published on 17 July 2026 at 10:23:05 UTC.
Update
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed SBU security service head Yevgeniy Khmara as acting defence minister.
Fedorov alleged that commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky engineered his removal through an ultimatum to Zelensky after months of clashes.
Zelensky said the defence ministry and army command were barely on speaking terms and called for unity.
A Ukrainian soldier told AFP anonymously that the reshuffle could affect drone deliveries and equipment purchases.
Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty backed continued reform and thanked Fedorov for tackling issues.
Political analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk said Zelensky had undermined himself politically by moving against Fedorov.
Deputy air force commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned in protest.
Some lawmakers were trying to block the replacement process by refusing to hold a vote.
The source adds details about Kyiv protesters, reported protests in Lviv, Odesa and Dnipro, and Fedorov-era pay and demobilisation measures.
Source note: AFP news report published on 16 July 2026 at 18:08:42 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The source does not state whether Zelensky gave a fuller explanation for dismissing Fedorov.
Source
AFP news report published on .