Ukraine Cabinet Shakeup Protests
Protests Erupt Across Ukraine Demanding Defence Minister Fedorov's Return Amid Government Reshuffle
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In Kyiv, about 1,000 protesters gathered by 9:30 a.m. near the Ivan Franko Theatre, waving Ukrainian and EU flags and carrying signs such as 'Bring Back Fedorov' and 'Hands off Fedorov,' while chanting 'Shame' and other slogans.
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In Kharkiv, a rally near the Universytet metro station drew more than 200 participants who carried handmade signs; some protesters used English-language messages and the hashtag #ISupportFedorov, with residents like Oleksandra arguing that reforms had just begun and removing Fedorov could set progress back.
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Pavlo Yelizarov, a renowned drone unit commander, resigned as deputy leader of the air force in protest, saying the decision to oust Fedorov would do 'a great evil for the country’s defence capability'.
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Parliamentary backing for Zelenskyy’s reshuffle showed divisions within his ruling party, with MPs signaling they may oppose the president’s preferred successor as Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi was positioned to become prime minister, a move tied to preparing Ukraine for another difficult winter.
Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets on Tuesday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in a sweeping government reshuffle, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. In Kyiv, around 1,000 protesters gathered near the Ivan Franko Theatre by 9:30 a.m., waving Ukrainian and EU flags and chanting 'Shame' and 'Bring Back Fedorov.'
The backlash was swift and broad. A senior military commander resigned in protest, lawmakers inside Zelenskyy's own party signaled they may block his picks, and rallies spread to cities across the country, Business Insider reported. Troops warned the move was 'a monumental victory for Russia.'
Who Is Fedorov and Why Protesters Want Him Back
Fedorov, 35, was appointed defence minister in January — just six months ago. He was seen as a tech-forward reformer who pushed drone warfare and digital innovation into Ukraine's military, Business Insider reported. Troops and civilians alike credited him with modernizing the armed forces during one of the war's most critical stretches.
In Kharkiv, more than 200 people rallied near the Universytet metro station carrying handmade signs. Some used English messages and the hashtag #ISupportFedorov. One resident, Oleksandra, told reporters that reforms had 'just begun' and that removing Fedorov could 'set progress back.' Protesters in multiple cities echoed that fear, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Drone Commander Resigns, Calling Dismissal 'Great Evil'
Pavlo Yelizarov, a well-known drone unit commander, resigned as deputy leader of the air force in direct protest. He said the decision to oust Fedorov would do 'a great evil for the country's defence capability.' His resignation added military weight to what had started as a street protest, Morning Chronicle reported.
Reports cited by Business Insider said Fedorov's removal came partly from a rift with top military brass, including commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky. Syrsky reportedly gave Fedorov an ultimatum before Zelenskyy acted. Critics say sidelining a reform-minded minister in wartime hands Russia a political gift.
Cracks Inside Zelenskyy's Own Party Over Cabinet Picks
The reshuffle exposed a visible split inside Zelenskyy's ruling coalition. MPs from his own party signaled they may vote against his preferred candidates. Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi was positioned to become prime minister, a move tied to preparing Ukraine for another hard winter, according to news.ssbcrack.com.
The political fallout is significant. Zelenskyy needs parliamentary support to finalize his reshuffled cabinet. With lawmakers wavering and public protests spreading, he faces pressure from the street and from inside his own bloc at the same time. No vote date has been confirmed.
Peaceful Rallies, Stepped-Up Security Across Multiple Cities
Organizers stressed that all demonstrations were peaceful. Security forces were deployed to several locations, but no violations were reported, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty noted. Rallies took place in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities, showing the protest was not limited to the capital.
Demonstrators carried signs in both Ukrainian and English, suggesting an effort to reach international audiences. The use of EU flags alongside Ukrainian ones sent a clear message: protesters see Fedorov's reformist agenda as linked to Ukraine's path toward European integration. The protests continued into the afternoon with no sign of dispersal.
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