Protests Erupt Against Ukrainian President Zelensky Following Defence Minister Fedorov’s Dismissal

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his position, civil society members and lawmakers have expressed strong opposition. Protesters in the capital Kyiv chanted slogans such as ‘Keep Away From Fedorov’ and ‘Stop Obstructing Victory!’

President Zelensky has proposed appointing Major General Yevheni Khmar as acting Defence Minister. On July 17, in Kathmandu, news emerged that Zelensky had abruptly dismissed Fedorov, prompting intense backlash from civil society and parliamentarians.

On Thursday morning, young people gathered in Kyiv and other cities to demonstrate. Protesters carried placards bearing slogans like ‘Keep Away From Fedorov’ and ‘Stop Obstructing Victory!’ They also chanted ‘Have Some Shame!’ during the rallies.

President Zelensky defended Khmar, currently the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), stating that he has gained extensive and unprecedented experience in technical military operations across numerous areas.