Ukraine faces internal unrest over shelter shortages as it detains foreign fighters from 51 nations

Ukrainian citizens are increasingly angry at President Volodymyr Zelensky's government for failing to provide sufficient air‑raid shelters, a shortfall that leaves many exposed to Russian missile attacks. The criticism intensified after the recent dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the fourth defence minister change since the war began, raising concerns that frequent leadership turnover could weaken the ministry and strain relations with Western partners. Staff at the defence ministry report a climate of uncertainty and low morale.

Separately, Ukrainian authorities have announced the capture of foreign nationals from 51 countries who fought on the Russian side. The detainees include individuals from Africa, Europe and Asia, some claiming they were recruited with false promises of work. The ombudsman Dmytro Lubinec warned that participation on the Russian side carries real legal consequences and called for transparent prisoner‑exchange talks. He also highlighted that 20,610 Ukrainian children have been deported, with 2,425 already returned home.