Zelensky Faces Protests After Firing Popular Defense Minister Fedorov
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing public outrage after dismissing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular reformer appointed only six months ago. Over a thousand protesters gathered in Kyiv's central square, waving Ukrainian and EU flags, singing the national anthem, and chanting 'shame' and 'bring Fedorov back'. The air force's deputy commander resigned in protest, calling Fedorov's removal 'a great evil' for Ukraine's defense. Fedorov had built a reputation as a modernizer seeking to reform the military, which has been strained by over four years of Russian invasion.
Key facts
- Over a thousand protesters gathered in Kyiv's central square.
- Protesters waved Ukrainian and EU flags and chanted 'shame' and 'bring Fedorov back'.
- The air force's deputy commander resigned in protest.
- The deputy commander called Fedorov's removal 'a great evil' for Ukraine's defense.
- Mykhailo Fedorov was appointed defense minister six months ago.
- Fedorov was seen as a modernizer who tried to reform the Ukrainian military.
- Ukraine has been under Russian invasion for over four years.
- The dismissal has sparked fury on Ukrainian streets.
Entities
Institutions
- Ukrainian Air Force
Locations
- Kyiv
- Ukraine