Protesters rally across Ukraine against Zelenskyy dismissing defense chief

Protests erupted across Ukraine on Thursday, 16 July 2026, as citizens and military officials voiced intense opposition to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The ouster, which occurred during a broader government cabinet reshuffle, has sparked a public confrontation between the president's office and those who view the former minister as a vital architect of Ukraine’s recent technological gains on the battlefield.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the Ivan Franko National Theatre in central Kyiv, with similar rallies reported in Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro. Protesters carried placards reading "The Russians are celebrating" and "Hands off Fedorov," while others chanted "Shame!" and demanded that the administration protect the reform efforts initiated during Fedorov’s six-month tenure.

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A Shift in Military Strategy

Fedorov, a former minister for digital transformation, was widely credited with modernizing Ukraine’s approach to the ongoing war by prioritizing drone warfare and data-driven procurement. Supporters point to his role in negotiating restrictions on Russian forces' access to the Starlink satellite system and his push for mid-range drone strikes, which have targeted Russian supply lines and energy infrastructure. His efforts included an internal audit of the defense ministry that identified substantial overspending and a mandate for lie detector tests for contractors to address corruption.

However, these initiatives drew friction within the military hierarchy. In a public briefing, Fedorov alleged that General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, actively obstructed reforms. "Instead of figuring out how to defeat Russia asymmetrically — which is the commander-in-chief’s task — he figured out how to split the country," Fedorov said. He claimed that the military leadership issued an ultimatum to the president, forcing a choice between the minister and the commander.

General Syrskyi did not address the conflict directly but issued a statement thanking Fedorov for his service and expressing hope that he would remain part of the Ukrainian team. President Zelenskyy, appearing alongside outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, acknowledged the systemic nature of the friction, stating, "I’m just showing that if the sides can’t resolve an issue, I will have to resolve it."

Government Shakeup

The dismissal occurred as part of a wider government transition. Parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi, the former chief of the state energy company Naftogaz, as the new prime minister, replacing Yulia Svyrydenko. Zelenskyy argued that Koretskyi’s experience in the energy sector is essential for preparing the country for the upcoming winter. While several positions were filled, including the appointment of Taras Vysotskyi as agriculture minister and Vsevolod Chentsov as Deputy Prime Minister for European integration, the role of defense minister remains temporarily held by acting official Yevgeniy Khmara, the former head of the SBU security service.

The reshuffle has prompted resignations among key personnel who aligned with Fedorov. The deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Col. Pavlo Yelizarov, announced his resignation, characterizing the minister's removal as a "great evil for the country's defense capability." Additionally, prominent military advisers Serhiy Beskrestnov and Serhiy Sternenko confirmed they would be stepping down from their advisory roles within the ministry.

What to Watch Next

• Parliamentary Confirmation: Lawmakers must still approve a permanent defense minister.
• Military Operations: Analysts remain concerned about how the change in leadership will affect the integration of drone technology in frontline operations.
• Political Stability: The next session of parliament is scheduled for 18 August 2026, where further confirmations and policy debates are expected to occur.

Andrius Kubilius, the European commissioner for defence, said Brussels would ask the Ukrainian president for an explanation surrounding the decision.

President Zelenskyy addressed the public outcry by stating, "I understand, I hear, and I respond to what society is saying."