Zelensky Shuffles Defence Leadership Amid Growing Public Outcry

Zelensky s removal of popular defence – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has triggered widespread demonstrations across the nation following his unexpected decision to remove Mykhailo Fedorov from his position as Defence Minister. The move has generated significant frustration among both civil society organizations and members of parliament, with crowds gathering in multiple cities to voice their displeasure.

Public Demonstrations Erupt

On Thursday morning, demonstrators—predominantly young citizens—converged in Kyiv alongside other Ukrainian urban centers. Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory!” while repeatedly chanting “Shame!” in unison. The emotional intensity of the gatherings reflected deep public attachment to Fedorov’s leadership.

By the close of the day, Zelensky announced that Major General Yevhen Khmara, who currently serves as acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), would assume the role of acting defence minister. The president highlighted Khmara’s qualifications, noting that the general “has gained extensive and, in many respects, unprecedented experience with technological combat operations.”

Confirming Leadership Tensions

Speculation regarding the reasons behind Fedorov’s departure centered on strained relations between him and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. These rumors received substantial validation when both Fedorov and Zelensky acknowledged the underlying conflicts. During a press conference on Thursday, Fedorov disclosed that he had previously recommended to the president that both Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov be replaced.

Zelensky addressed the situation during a joint press conference with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The president characterized the disagreements between the General Staff and the defence ministry as “systemic,” noting they manifested “at various levels.” He explained that Syrskyi and Fedorov would need to collaborate under his direct mediation going forward.

“When the president said he did not plan to replace Syrskyi, I… said I would learn to work with him,” Fedorov recounted at his own press conference. “But all the initiatives we proposed were blocked.”

Fedorov expressed particular frustration with Syrskyi’s approach, stating: “Instead of finding a way of defeating Russia asymmetrically – which is the commander-in-chief’s job – he’s found a way of splitting our country.”

Syrskyi responded with a brief statement on Telegram, declaring himself “proud” of the defence operation conducted around Kyiv in 2022 when Russian forces advanced toward the capital. He pledged to continue “focusing on the war and on an effective strategy” while extending wishes for “continued success” to Fedorov.

Fedorov’s Record and Future

At thirty-five years of age, Fedorov was appointed to his position only in January but quickly earned recognition for revitalizing the ministry. His tenure included spearheading anti-corruption efforts and implementing data-driven approaches to enhance frontline performance. Prior to entering government service, Fedorov established the volunteer “IT Army of Ukraine” initiative.

“I have lots of friends in the military. Lots of them died. I don’t want this to go on,” Maria Lavrynets, thirty-one, told the BBC during a protest in central Kyiv’s Ivan Franko square. “We see [Fedorov’s] results. We see the motivation of the soldiers, we should stand for them.”

Despite Zelensky’s offer for Fedorov to remain on his team as an adviser, the former minister declined. He clarified that his decision was not intended to antagonize the president, expressing confidence that Zelensky “hears the Ukrainian people, knows what to do, and the situation will be 100% resolved.”

“This is the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency,” Oleksandr, a Ukrainian soldier, told the BBC. “I don’t know anyone who supports the decision to replace him. Not within the army, not in society.”

Broader Government Reshuffle

The defence minister’s removal coincided with additional cabinet changes. Parliament approved Serhiy Koretsky, head of the state oil and gas company, as the new prime minister following Yuliia Svyrydenko’s resignation earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Ihor Klymenko, who currently leads the interior ministry, was being considered as Fedorov’s potential successor, though Zelensky noted that no formal proposal had yet been submitted.

As the political situation evolved, Zelensky acknowledged the public sentiment, stating: “People wanted to come out, and that’s right. I understand, I hear, and I even react to what society is saying.” The president emphasized that Fedorov had undertaken significant efforts to restructure the defence ministry, which many Ukrainians viewed as overly burdened by bureaucracy and outdated Soviet-era practices.