Protests spread across Ukraine against removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Rallies in support of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov broke out in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities after reports of his dismissal. A deputy commander of the Air Force requested discharge from the military, citing Fedorov's removal as the reason.
On Thursday, July 16, rallies in support of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov began in Kyiv and other cities, a day after news outlets reported he was leaving his post. In the capital, demonstrators gathered in Ivan Franko Square, carrying signs and chanting "Bring back Fedorov", "Shame", and "Syrskyi should resign." The rally was called by Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a veteran and former combat medic, according to Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster.
Protests also took place in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, Uzhhorod, Dnipro, Ternopil, and Odesa.
Meanwhile, Colonel Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of Ukraine's Air Force, asked to be discharged from the armed forces, stating Fedorov's ouster as his reason: "Unfortunately, in the fifth year of the war, I have filed a request to be discharged from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I believe that the removal of [Mykhailo] Fedorov is a great evil for the country's defense capability. Glory to Ukraine!" Fedorov had appointed Yelizarov to the post in January 2026, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Fedorov's departure has not been formally announced. He confirmed it himself on social media, writing: "It was a great honor to serve the Ukrainian people as defense minister." He had taken the post in January 2026.
Fedorov's removal came amid a government reshuffle. On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed the government of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. A new cabinet is expected to be announced later Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated Naftohaz chief Serhiy Koretsky for prime minister and sent his name to the Rada.
