Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing mounting criticism after moving to replace Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that has sparked protests across Ukraine and drawn opposition from lawmakers and members of civil society.
On Thursday, demonstrators, many of them young people, gathered in Kyiv and other cities carrying placards reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory!” while chanting “Shame!”
Later in the day, Zelensky nominated Major General Yevhen Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), to serve as acting defence minister.
Explaining the choice, the Ukrainian leader said, “Khmara has gained extensive and, in many respects, unprecedented experience with technological combat operations.”
Speculation that Fedorov’s removal was linked to disagreements with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was reinforced after both Zelensky and Fedorov publicly acknowledged tensions within the military leadership.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Fedorov disclosed that he had recommended the replacement of Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.
Zelensky, appearing alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, admitted there had been a long-running dispute between the Defence Ministry and the General Staff.
He said the conflict had been “systemic” and had occurred “at various levels,” adding that Fedorov and Syrskyi had only managed to work together through his intervention.
Reflecting on the disagreement, Fedorov said, “When the president said he did not plan to replace Syrskyi, I… said I would learn to work with him.”
He added, “All the initiatives we proposed were blocked.”
Fedorov further criticised the army chief, saying, “Instead of finding a way of defeating Russia asymmetrically – which is the commander-in-chief’s job – he’s found a way of splitting our country.”
Responding on Telegram, Syrskyi avoided addressing the accusations directly, writing that he was “proud” of Ukraine’s successful defence of Kyiv in 2022 and would continue to “focus on the war and on an effective strategy,” while wishing Fedorov “continued success.”
Fedorov, 35, assumed office in January and quickly earned praise for modernising the Defence Ministry, tackling corruption and using technology and data-driven strategies to improve battlefield performance.
Although lawmakers were expected to vote on replacing him with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Zelensky later clarified that Klymenko was only one of several candidates under consideration and that no formal nomination had yet been submitted.
As part of the wider government reshuffle, parliament confirmed Serhiy Koretsky, the former head of the state oil and gas company, as Ukraine’s new prime minister following the resignation of Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Fedorov also disclosed that Zelensky had offered him a role as an adviser, but he declined.
Despite refusing the offer, he insisted he was not seeking confrontation with the president.
“I’m confident that Zelensky hears the Ukrainian people, knows what to do, and the situation will be 100% resolved,” he said.
He added, “I don’t believe he has yet chosen a side in the Syrskyi matter. I spoke with him today and said that I am acting according to my conscience.”
The decision has also drawn criticism from members of Ukraine’s armed forces.
“This is the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency,” Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr told the BBC.
He said he enlisted earlier this year because he trusted Fedorov’s leadership, adding, “I don’t know anyone who supports the decision to replace him. Not within the army, not in society.”
Protester Maria Lavrynets, who joined the demonstration in central Kyiv, said, “I have lots of friends in the military. Lots of them died. I don’t want this to go on.”
She added, “We see [Fedorov’s] results. We see the motivation of the soldiers, we should stand for them.”
Asked about the protests, Zelensky acknowledged public concerns, saying, “People wanted to come out, and that’s right. I understand, I hear, and I even react to what society is saying.”
Before becoming defence minister, Fedorov served as Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, where he launched the volunteer IT Army of Ukraine, coordinated drone fundraising campaigns and introduced technology-driven initiatives to strengthen the country’s military operations.
Following his dismissal, Fedorov highlighted his achievements in a Facebook post, writing that he would “continue… to defeat the enemy through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organisational strength.”
His removal has prompted further resignations, including that of renowned drone commander Pavlo Yelizarov, who stepped down from his role as deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, describing Fedorov’s dismissal as “a great evil for the country’s defence capability.”
