Protests spread across Ukraine against the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Rallies in support of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov began in Kyiv and other cities on Thursday, a day after news outlets reported that 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.” Suspilne, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, reported that the rally had been called by Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a veteran and former combat medic.
Protests also broke out in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, Uzhhorod, Dnipro, Ternopil, and Odesa.
With Fedorov on his way out, Colonel Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of Ukraine’s Air Force, asked to be discharged from the armed forces, naming 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.
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