Zelensky faces sustained protests over Ukraine defence minister's dismissal

President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to manage a deepening political crisis in Ukraine as protests continue over the dismissal of reformist defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

The demonstrations have entered a fifth day, making them the longest sustained protests during the Russian invasion and the most directly linked to the war. Thousands of people have gathered in Kyiv since last week, singing the national anthem and using handmade cardboard signs. Hundreds returned on Monday, although turnout was lower after a weekend of Russian attacks.

Protester Anastasiia Starodubtseva, 25, said demonstrators would remain until there was a change. She also called for the dismissal of commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky, whom she held responsible for her husband's death.

Zelensky has been meeting advisers and military leaders while seeking a compromise that avoids deeper divisions during the war. Ukrainian media and experts said the talks included whether Fedorov could return and whether Syrsky would keep his post. A presidential spokesperson said no decision was expected on Monday.

Fedorov, described as a popular and tech-focused minister who pushed to modernise Ukraine's armed forces, had repeatedly clashed with the army's top command. After his dismissal, he said Syrsky had given Zelensky an ultimatum to arrange his removal. Fedorov then called for Syrsky to be dismissed, and protesters increasingly chanted for Syrsky to go.

Syrsky denied giving an ultimatum in a lengthy article published by Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi. He said his focus was on winning the war and that his work was strategy, the front and people.

Oleksandr Salizhenko, an expert with the Chesno movement, said the situation was serious and that protesters' demands were growing. Analyst Anatolii Oktysiuk said Syrsky had become trapped by the crisis and that keeping him in office could deepen the social and political conflict. Opposition lawmaker Solomiia Bobrovska, who sits on parliament's defence committee, said discussions about a possible replacement were taking place but that the situation was shifting rapidly.

Some military figures have expressed frustration at the criticism. Commander Oleg Apostol said it was painful to hear firm judgments from people who had not issued combat orders or carried responsibility for soldiers' lives.

Bobrovska said Fedorov's future also remained difficult because the crisis had made him a rallying figure for military reform. She said Zelensky and Fedorov needed to find a way to resolve the situation together.