Ukrainians protest after Zelensky fires Defense Minister Fedorov; president cites unavoidable choice

On the evening of July 15, news broke that Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov would be dismissed from the post he had held since January. Fedorov confirmed the news, acknowledging at a press conference that he had clashed with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky. The parliament has yet to formally approve the removal, but the decision has already triggered protests across Ukraine.

In Kyiv, demonstrators filled Ivan Franko Square carrying signs supporting Fedorov and chanting for Syrsky's removal. Rallies also took place in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, Uzhhorod, Dnipro, Ternopil, and Odesa. United24, the state fundraising platform, said its editorial team paused publication because its journalists and editors joined the protests.

President Volodymyr Zelensky explained that a wartime president should not have to choose between Syrsky and Fedorov, but their inability to work together left him no choice. Fedorov will remain on his team, with a specific role to be announced later. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is fighting for freedom and democracy, so the protests are legitimate.

Commander-in-Chief Syrsky expressed pride in Kyiv's 2022 defense and thanked Fedorov for his work, hoping he stays part of Ukraine's team. Several officials, including Deputy Air Force Commander Pavlo Yelizarov and Fedorov's former advisers, resigned in protest.

International reactions included surprise from European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, who highlighted the close cooperation with Fedorov. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius praised Fedorov's innovative contributions.

Russian pro-war channels and officials viewed the dismissal positively. State Duma deputy Andrei Kolesnik said Fedorov had broken up corruption schemes. Z-bloggers celebrated the removal of an effective enemy, noting Fedorov's role in cutting Russia off from Starlink and expanding drone use.