Public Anger Mounts Over Ukraine Defence Minister's Dismissal

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Kyiv: Thousands of Ukrainians marched to the streets in Kyiv and other towns for the second day in a row to protest President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's sacking of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, one of the country's most popular wartime officials. Protesters, including soldiers, veterans, and military families, urged his return, saying that his innovations in technology had considerably improved Ukraine's military capabilities.

Fedorov, who was just the defence minister for six months, strove to modernise the military through increased drone warfare, digital systems, and faster weapons purchases. His alleged disputes with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi over military strategy and reform are largely seen as the primary reason for his departure. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of causing conflicts among military officers the day after his dismissal.

Zelenskyy has defended the reshuffle, saying it was necessary to preserve unity in the country's wartime leadership, while an interim defence minister has been appointed pending parliamentary approval. Since Russia's full-scale invasion started in 2022, the protests are one of the few instances of public opposition in Ukraine.