Hundreds of people gathered in Kyiv to protest President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to remove Ukraine’s defence minister, according to reports from the capital. The demonstrations were described as unusual, highlighting visible public anger over a key change in the country’s leadership.
The dismissal is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle launched by Zelenskyy. The move has drawn attention not only because of the senior role involved, but also because it comes at a sensitive moment for Ukraine’s government and military leadership.
Outgoing defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov also added to the political tension by sharply criticizing military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. In remarks cited in coverage of the dispute, Fedorov said Syrskyi had divided the country, underscoring the depth of disagreement surrounding the reshuffle.
The protests in Kyiv suggest the defence minister’s removal has become more than a staffing change, turning into a wider political flashpoint. With Zelenskyy pressing ahead with his cabinet changes, the backlash points to growing scrutiny of decisions at the top of Ukraine’s wartime leadership.
