Protests in Support of Fedorov Spread Across Kyiv and Other Ukrainian Cities

For the third consecutive day, peaceful protests against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov from the position of Minister of Defense have continued in Kyiv and a number of other Ukrainian cities. Some participants are also demanding the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. The largest demonstration on July 18 took place in the capital. The rally began at around 3:00 p.m. Initially, about 300 people attended, but by 9:45 p.m. the number of participants had grown to approximately 2,000. The demonstrators called for Fedorov’s return to the Ministry of Defense and for the continuation of the reforms launched during his tenure. Participants emphasized the need to further develop military technologies, provide the army with drones, and preserve ongoing reforms in the defense sector.

Protests also took place in Lviv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, Kropyvnytskyi, Odesa, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Uzhhorod, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kharkiv. Depending on the city, the rallies gathered from several dozen to several hundred participants. In Kharkiv, around 400 people joined the protest. Approximately 200 demonstrators gathered in Ivano-Frankivsk. More than 150 people took part in the rallies in Mykolaiv and Khmelnytskyi, while more than one hundred participated in Cherkasy and Odesa. In Ternopil, over 50 people attended the demonstration. In addition to calling for Fedorov’s return, some protesters demanded Syrskyi’s dismissal. Participants linked their dissatisfaction to decisions made by the military leadership, battlefield losses, and problems in relations between the command and military personnel. The protests have been organized mainly through social media and Telegram channels. Participants say they plan to continue holding demonstrations until the authorities respond to their demands.

Why Fedorov Left the Ministry of Defense

The protests began after the announcement of large-scale personnel changes within the government. On July 12, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a Cabinet reshuffle and changes in the leadership of law enforcement agencies. Following the government’s resignation, ministers continued serving in an acting capacity until Parliament appoints a new Cabinet. On July 15, it became known that Fedorov would not remain as head of the Ministry of Defense. Former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko was expected to be nominated for the position of Minister of Defense. Later, Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Yevhen Khmara was assigned to perform the duties of defense minister. Fedorov’s dismissal sparked public concern that the leadership change could slow down the digital transformation of the military, the development of unmanned systems, and other defense reforms.

President’s Response

Against the backdrop of the protests, the president said he had held separate conversations with Fedorov and Syrskyi. According to him, the authorities hear what people are saying, while decisions regarding the army are still being prepared.

“Yesterday and today there were many consultations. Of course, I hear what people are saying. I had a long conversation today with Mykhailo Fedorov. I also spoke today with Oleksandr Syrskyi. Decisions regarding the army will be developed.”

Fedorov also confirmed that dialogue with the president is ongoing. However, no specific decisions have yet been announced regarding his possible return to the Ministry of Defense or changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces.

The protests have become one of the most notable public reactions to the recent government reshuffle. They demonstrate that the management of the defense sector, the technological development of the military, and the accountability of the military leadership remain highly sensitive issues for a significant part of Ukrainian society.

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