Ukrainians hold rare wartime protest over defence minister’s dismissal
Poinews.com – Ukrainians rallied in a significant demonstration to support Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, showcasing his strong public backing amid ongoing conflict. The protest, a rare event during the war, followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to remove Fedorov on Wednesday. Within hours, social media users expressed outrage, which quickly transformed into plans for mass gatherings across cities at 09:01 on Thursday. This timing coincided with a daily national minute of silence honoring fallen soldiers and civilians, amplifying the symbolic nature of the demonstration.
Online Support Transforms into Street Action
The initial online backlash soon translated into organized street protests, marking the first such movement since last summer’s rallies for Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and key organizer of those earlier demonstrations, voiced his discontent on social media. He argued that Fedorov’s removal disrupted crucial reforms, stating,
“The defence minister is being removed in the middle of effective – finally effective! – reforms, replaced by someone under whom any hope of reform can be forgotten.”
Koziatynskyi targeted Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, who was set to take Fedorov’s role, and urged citizens to show solidarity with the minister.
Other military and civil society leaders joined the outcry. Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of Ukraine’s Air Force, announced his resignation, linking Fedorov’s dismissal to potential harm to the country’s defence efforts.
“I believe that the removal of M. Fedorov is a great evil for the country’s defence capability,”
Yelizarov wrote, attaching his resignation letter. He claimed Fedorov’s reforms were vital for reducing casualties from Russian attacks.
Generational Divide Sparks Criticism
Public frustration directed at President Zelenskyy also extended to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had clashed with Fedorov over military restructuring. The dispute highlighted a generational gap: Fedorov, a tech-savvy manager with a startup background, versus Syrskyi, a traditional general. Many Ukrainians accused the president of prioritizing convenience over competence, with some directing their anger at Syrskyi for retaining his position.
As the movement grew, citizens began crafting handwritten signs with slogans like “The people protect the minister of defence” and “More work done in half a year than some people do in two.” These messages reflected both admiration for Fedorov’s leadership and a call for stability in government. The trend underscored how online discussions had now materialized into tangible expressions of support.
Minister’s Reflection on Leadership
After confirming his dismissal on Wednesday, Fedorov shared his assessment of his six-month tenure. He highlighted progress in reorganizing the Defence Ministry but admitted shortcomings in fully aligning with NATO standards.
“The new structure has been put in place, many people have been made redundant,”
he noted, emphasizing that “numerous processes have been set in motion.” Fedorov acknowledged the need to act decisively against resistance to change, even if it meant sacrificing his own position.
