By Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian news Finland
Nationwide Demonstrations Follow Cabinet Reshuffle
Protests Erupt broke out across multiple Ukrainian cities this week after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a broader government reshuffle.
Hundreds demonstrated near the Ivan Franko National Theatre in central Kyiv against the move, with Protests Erupt also reported in Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
Fedorov had been credited with boosting Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities during his six-month tenure as defense minister.
His removal, despite recent military successes, has sparked an unprecedented public split within Ukraine’s military establishment.
Veterans and Soldiers Voice Criticism
The dismissal drew sharp criticism from soldiers, veterans, and civil society figures, who argue Ukraine is losing one of its most effective wartime officials without adequate explanation.
War veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi, who previously organized major Protests Erupt against a law curbing anti-corruption agency independence, called for a new demonstration, criticizing the timing of Fedorov’s removal.
Fedorov Alleges Political Maneuvering
Writing on X, Fedorov said it had been an honor to serve as defense minister and outlined what he described as the ministry’s key achievements.
He also alleged that military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi engineered his removal through an ultimatum, and separately said Syrskyi’s actions had “split the country.”
Broader Political Context
The reshuffle marks Zelensky’s fourth major government shake-up since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, following the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko days earlier.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses government reshuffle
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