Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine defense minister Fedorov amid military leadership feud and protests
Story Timeline
1 day · 3 summary articles
Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine defense minister Fedorov amid military leadership feud and protests
Ukrainian protesters rally in Kyiv against Zelenskyys dismissal of defense minister Fedorov
Ukraines Zelenskyy sacks defense minister Fedorov amid military leadership tensions
Continuation
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on Thursday, sparking protests and political turmoil in Ukraine. The move follows a public dispute between Fedorov and Ukraine's top military leadership.
Zelenskyy named Major General Yevhenii Khmara as the acting defense minister. Khmara previously served as the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and has experience in technological combat and long-range operations.
The dismissal of Fedorov has led to widespread protests in Kyiv and other cities. Demonstrators have called for Fedorov's reinstatement, citing his effective leadership and innovations in military technology.
Russian military commentators have celebrated Fedorov's dismissal, viewing it as a strategic mistake that could weaken Ukraine's technological advantage on the battlefield. One commentator argued that Fedorov's emphasis on unmanned systems threatened Russia's conventional advantages.
Fedorov's dismissal follows a public feud with Army Commander Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy cited issues with procurement and communication between Fedorov and the military leadership as reasons for the dismissal. According to state media, Zelenskyy said Fedorov "was making procurements at his own discretion, rather than following the requests of the General Staff and the military."
In his final briefing, Fedorov accused Syrskyi of refusing to acknowledge the new realities of war and preferring backroom meetings over open discussions. Fedorov had been a strong advocate for the use of drones and other advanced technologies in Ukraine's military operations. He was credited with helping negotiate operational use of SpaceX’s Starlink for Ukrainian troops while restricting use by Russian forces.
The political crisis comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as it faces ongoing military challenges and seeks to maintain its momentum against Russian forces. The dismissal has also drawn international attention, with allies expressing concern over the internal strife.
Zelenskyy has not addressed the protests or the public calls for Fedorov's reinstatement in his recent statements. Instead, he has focused on the appointment of Khmara and the need for unity within Ukraine's military leadership.
The Ukrainian Parliament is expected to confirm a permanent defense minister in the coming days. Until then, Khmara will serve as the acting defense minister, overseeing Ukraine's defense operations and long-range strikes.
Protests erupted in several Ukrainian cities following Fedorov's dismissal. In Kyiv, demonstrators gathered outside government buildings, holding signs and chanting slogans in support of Fedorov. Similar protests were reported in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
Fedorov, who was appointed defense minister in January 2026, had been credited with modernizing Ukraine's military and introducing new technologies to the battlefield. His dismissal has raised concerns among some members of Ukraine's Parliament. Kira Rudik, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, expressed her concerns about the dismissal and its potential impact on Ukraine's military efforts.
The dismissal has also prompted condemnation from foreign allies and a chorus of alarm from former U.S. and Ukrainian officials, analysts, and others who spoke to Defense One. One former senior U.S. official described Fedorov as having "a good plan to win" and credited him with giving Ukraine a qualitative military edge.
Fedorov's approach to military technology, including the use of drones and long-range strikes, had been seen as a key factor in Ukraine's recent military successes.
In his evening address on Thursday, Zelenskyy made no mention of the protests or the public calls for Fedorov's reinstatement. Instead, he focused on the appointment of Khmara and the need for unity within Ukraine's military leadership.
The Ukrainian Parliament is expected to confirm a permanent defense minister in the coming days. Until then, Khmara will serve as the acting defense minister, overseeing Ukraine's defense operations and long-range strikes.
Follow us for live European news
- 3
- 2
- 1
- 1
- 1
5 further sources not geolocated
Articles
Türkiye urges continuation of Istanbul talks on Russia-Ukraine war Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in Kyiv on Thursday that maintaining the Türkiye-mediated Istanbul negotiation framework would serve regional stability, warning against the spillover of hostilities into the Black Sea where civilian maritime traffic faces mounting dangers.
yenisafak · about 4 hours ago
Ukraine says Zelenskyy-Putin summit could be held in Türkiye Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha proposed Türkiye on Thursday as a potential venue for direct talks between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Kyiv is ready for a ceasefire and believes only a leaders summit can inject new momentum into the stalled peace process.
yenisafak · about 4 hours ago
Kyiv reels after Zelenskyy ousts popular defense minister over clash with top generalFeud between the defense ministry and army pushed a frustrated Ukrainian president to fire his defense chief. Now citizens are protesting. #News #Zelenskyy #Ukraine #VolodymyrZelenskyys
mastodon bot · about 4 hours ago
„Ist zivile Sicherheitspolitik – Radovan will Ukraine-Hilfen von Schuldenbremse ausnehmen 2025 betrug die Unterstützung für die Ukraine 324,4 Millionen Euro. Deutschland leistet laut Radovan damit einen zentralen Beitrag zur Resilienz der Ukraine. Darum sollten die Gelder genauso wie Verteidigungsinvestitionen von der Schuldenbremse ausgenommen werden.
welt.de · about 4 hours ago
excellent. this is Kira Rudik, member of Ukraine Parliament. She provides her perspective on Zelenskys dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov along w/ the Prime Minister & cabinet#SlavaUkraini 🇺🇦 💙 #fedorov #zelensky
mastodon bot · about 4 hours ago
Government approves National Anti-Fraud Strategy to protect Ukraines and EUs financial interests Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers has approved the National Anti-Fraud Strategy aimed at protecting the financial interests of Ukraine and the European Union, along with an implementation plan covering the period through 2028.
ukrinform · about 5 hours ago
KYIV POST: A Gift to Moscow: Russian War Bloggers Cheer Dismissal of Ukraines Tech Chief Zelensky named Major General Yevhen Khmara acting defense minister after Fedorovs dismissal exposed a rift with Ukraines military command and sparked nationwide protests. #Ukraine
mastodon bot · about 5 hours ago
Zelenskyys Ouster of Ukraine Defense Minister Sparks Protests, Allies ConcernUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ousted Defense Minister Mikhailo Fedorov, citing the ministers unauthorized procurement decisions, a move that has sparked protests and concern among allies. The sudden dismissal follows a public feud with Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the armed forces. #NationalSecurity #Geopolitics #DefenseProcurement #EmergingThreats
mastodon bot · about 5 hours ago
Political crisis and protests in Ukraine as Zelenskyy defends sacking defence minister President says he had to choose one side or the other after breakdown of relations between ministry and military leaders
telegram_The Guardian · about 5 hours ago
Türkiyes Fidan meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv to revive peace talks Hakan Fidan held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday, stressing Ankaras readiness to mediate renewed negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv under the Istanbul framework while exploring new strategic approaches to break the current deadlock.
yenisafak · about 5 hours ago
⚡️Hungary opens investigation into former FM Szijjartos Russia ties. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on July 16 that authorities have launched an official investigation into former Foreign Minister Peter Szijjartos close relations with Russia.
bluesky_Kyiv Independent · about 5 hours ago
Ukraine won the NATO summit in Ankara #Europe
mastodon bot · about 5 hours ago
Russian military bloggers praised the dismissal of Ukraines Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who has been credited with cutting bureaucracy and boosting drone warfare against Russia, saying the shake-up would only benefit Moscow. #Russia
mastodon bot · about 5 hours ago
Bitter row splits Ukraines military leadership after defence minister ousted
bluesky_Euractiv · about 5 hours ago
President Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhenii Khmara, head of Ukraines security services, as acting defense minister. Khmara is expected to lead defense sector reforms with an emphasis on technological combat operations. #Russia
mastodon bot · about 5 hours ago
Ukrainians protest and Z-bloggers celebrate after Zelensky fires the defense minister who cut Russia off from Starlink and flooded the front with drones
telegram_Meduza · about 6 hours ago
US Senate Leadership Throws Weight Behind Renewed Russia Sanctions Push Senate Republican leadership has thrown its weight behind a renewed bipartisan push to impose sweeping new sanctions on Russia that supporters say marks the strongest congressional effort yet to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war against Ukraine.
radio free europe · about 6 hours ago
Türkiye vows to prevent FETO-like infiltration of state: Hakan Fidan Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is implementing measures to ensure networks resembling the Fetullah Terrorist Organization can never again embed themselves within state institutions, speaking ahead of the 10th anniversary of the July 15 defeated coup attempt before departing for Ukraine.
yenisafak · about 6 hours ago
President Zelensky outlines key priorities for Ukraines new government President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the new government led by Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi will focus primarily on preparing Ukraine for the coming winter and accelerating the implementation of agreements with international partners.
ukrinform · about 6 hours ago
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky sparks outrage and protests after sacking popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov fell out with the head of Ukraines armed forces
independent · about 6 hours ago
Zelenskyys former top aide Yermak met with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi after defence ministers dismissal – UP sources Andrii Yermak, former head of the Office of the President, visited Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyis command post in a frontline oblast two hours ago.
ukrpravda · about 7 hours ago
Zelenskyy backs new acting defence minister over long-range operations experience and makes no mention of protests in his evening address President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on his decision to appoint Yevhen Khmara as acting Defence Minister, has made no mention of the mobilisation issues he had criticised ex- defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov for. The president also ignored the protests and public calls to bring Fedorov back to the ministry.
ukrpravda · about 7 hours ago
NATO chief expects Ukraines new defense minister to maintain current strategy toward Russia NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not expect the appointment of a new Ukrainian defense minister to bring major changes to Kievs strategy in its fight against Russia.
ukrinform · about 7 hours ago
Zelenskys Cabinet Reshuffle Sparks Public Outcry in Ukraine Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was popular for his drone development push—but not enough to keep him in office.
foreignpolicy.com · about 7 hours ago
Ukraine Was on a Roll. Then a Clash Over War Strategy Exploded Into View. From an underground parking garage, Ukraines newly dismissed defense minister aired the most dramatic, public critique of the military command to emerge during the war.
new york times · about 7 hours ago
⚡ NEWSUkraine political crisis over defence chief dismissalRare protests erupted in Ukraine following the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The move, part of President Zelenskys second wartime cabinet overhaul in a year, sparked public unrest as disputes between the minister and top military generals became public.📰 #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #GeoWire
mastodon bot · about 7 hours ago
📰 Ukraines tech-savvy defense minister ousted in clash with army old guard🔗 #RussianInvasion #RussianWar #Ukraine
mastodon bot · about 8 hours ago
Evening protests against DM Fedorovs dismissal continue across Ukraine A protest against the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov grew significantly larger on Thursday evening in central Kyiv.
ukrinform · about 8 hours ago
Ukraines defense minister wanted the armys top general fired. Zelensky fired the minister instead. Heres how all three explain it.
telegram_Meduza · about 8 hours ago
Zelensky names Ukraines acting security chief Yevhen Khmara as acting defense minister
telegram_Meduza · about 8 hours ago