Rare protests erupt in Ukraine after Zelenskyy dismisses Defence Minister

Rare protests erupt in Ukraine after Zelenskyy dismisses Defence Minister
People protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's decision to replace Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, in Kyiv, Ukraine, 16 July 2026.
Reuters

Rare protests broke out across Ukraine on Thursday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in a government reshuffle, prompting public criticism and demonstrations in several cities.

The largest protest took place outside the presidential office in Kyiv, where more than 1,000 people gathered, chanting "Shame!" and carrying placards reading "Bring Fedorov Back" and "Exchange Prisoners, Not Fedorov."

People protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's decision to replace Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, in Kyiv, Ukraine, 16 July 2026.
Reuters
 

The demonstrations were sparked by the removal of Fedorov, a 35-year-old technology expert who had led efforts to modernise Ukraine's armed forces and improve the efficiency of the country's military as it continues to fight Russia's full-scale invasion.

A rare display of dissent

The protests marked one of the rare public displays of dissent seen in Ukraine since the start of the war. The scenes drew comparisons with demonstrations in July last year, when widespread public pressure led Zelenskyy to reverse plans that would have reduced the independence of the country's anti-corruption agencies.

Ukraine's parliament on Thursday approved a new government led by Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi, a former energy executive. Lawmakers have suggested that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko could replace Fedorov, although no appointment has been announced.

Speaking on Thursday, Zelenskyy said he was still considering candidates for the defence minister's post. He confirmed that Klymenko was among those being considered but stressed that no final decision had yet been made.

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