Protests Erupt in Ukraine Over Defense Minister Fedorov's Dismissal
Thousands protested in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities against the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, part of a broader government reshuffle by President Zelenskyy.
In Kyiv's central square on Thursday, more than 1,000 people gathered to demonstrate against the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Protesters sang the national anthem, waved Ukrainian and European Union flags, and chanted "shame" and "bring back Fedorov," according to AFP.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced planned cabinet changes on Sunday, and on Tuesday parliament voted to dismiss Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, triggering the resignation of the entire government. On Wednesday evening, Fedorov confirmed on social media that he would leave the post he had held since January.
Western media report that Fedorov's departure stemmed from conflicts with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Many protesters echoed this view. "I believe his dismissal is a slap in the face to the Ukrainian people," said 30-year-old entrepreneur Vlada Romana, expressing hope that Zelenskyy would reconsider.
Protests also took place in Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities. Zelenskyy has yet to appoint a new defense minister, but Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reports that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is the likely candidate. In protest against Fedorov's dismissal, Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Pavlo Yelizarov also resigned.
