Ukraine Defense Minister Fedorov Rejects New Role, Protests Call for Return
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed after six months in office, a move that sparked nationwide protests demanding his reinstatement. President Volodymyr Zelensky offered him alternative positions, including a vice‑prime‑ministerial post for defence innovation, but Fedorov said only the ministerial role can “actually shape the course of the war”. He warned that no other appointment would give him the authority to combat procurement corruption, complete army reforms or conduct asymmetric operations.
At the same time Zelensky removed the army’s chief commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had clashed with Fedorov, and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander‑in‑chief. The leadership shake‑up is intended to improve mobilisation, troop rotation and the integration of new technology, but the protests continue, pressing the president to reverse Fedorov’s dismissal amid a critical phase of the war with Russia.