Ukraine's defence dilemma: Zelensky faces protests over Fedorov's removal amid war

Kyiv:Ukraine is facing political and military uncertainty after President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to part ways with Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov triggered daily protests in Kyiv and other cities.

Organisers supporting Fedorov have warned of nationwide demonstrations if their demands are not met by July 24. Army veteran Dmytro Koziatynsky said on social media: "If, by Friday July 24th [commander-in-chief Oleksandr] Syrskyi has not been dismissed and Federov has not been nominated for the post of Minister of Defence, we will begin an open-ended nationwide protest."

No major protests are currently scheduled before the deadline, but tensions remain high as Ukrainians await Zelensky's next decision.

Zelensky consults officials amid rumours

Following the backlash, Zelensky held discussions with ministers and military officials to decide the future direction of Ukraine's defence strategy.

Reports circulated that army chief Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi could be removed, but Ukraine's General Staff denied claims that he had already been dismissed or was about to leave his post.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the president's office, urged citizens to remain calm and acknowledged public concerns. "The situation surrounding the latest internal changes has caused strong emotions."

He added: "The position of society has been heard."

Budanov also warned against internal divisions during wartime, saying Russia could benefit from disputes within Ukraine. "The enemy is closely monitoring our every internal dispute and is waiting for us to start fighting among ourselves."

Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi responded to criticism by publishing a detailed defence of his record and rejecting claims that his relationship with Fedorov had damaged Ukraine's military efforts.

Syrskyi said he was surprised to hear reports of a conflict with the former defence minister. "I perceived our relationship as a working one."

He added: "If I offended anyone, Mykhailo Albertovych [Fedorov], I'm sorry."

The army chief argued that military decisions involving procurement, mobilisation and strategy cannot be reduced to public debates or protest slogans. "Decisions on which people's lives depend are not made with slogans."

He added: "Real work, not the public drama surrounding it, wins the war."

Fedorov supporters call for military change

Many protesters argue that Fedorov represented a new approach to modern warfare, particularly through technology and drone innovation.

Supporters believe his leadership helped accelerate reforms within Ukraine's military structure.

Tetiana Makarenko, a protester in Kyiv, said: "Right now, the war is changing, so we need new ideas and a new structure."

She added: "It's often said that a small Soviet army can't defeat a big Soviet army. It's time to change the mindset and start the new type of war."

Syrskyi pushed back against accusations that he had failed to support technological changes in warfare, particularly the use of drones.

He said: "The strangest reproach that I have heard is that I supposedly do not want to fight with drones."

However, he argued that drones alone cannot replace a full military structure. "I cannot transform a million-strong army to drones in two months and say: now we fight like this."

The general maintained that his focus remained on defeating Russia rather than political disagreements within Ukraine.

Possible replacements for Syrskyi emerge

As speculation continues over Syrskyi's position, several younger military commanders have been mentioned as possible replacements.

Potential candidates include Mykhailo Drapaty, commander of the Joint Forces; Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps; Oleh Apostol, commander of the Airborne Assault Forces; and Ihor Obolensky, commander of the National Guard Corps.

Another possible contender is Brigadier General Denys Prokopenko, known for his leadership of the Azov Regiment during the defence of Mariupol in 2022.

Ukraine awaits Zelensky's decision

Zelensky has said he is still assessing what changes are needed in Ukraine's defence strategy as the country prepares for possible renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

The president said Ukraine must strengthen its position before August, making the upcoming decisions on military leadership potentially significant for the country's war effort.

As protests pause temporarily, Ukraine remains focused on whether Zelensky will make changes to its defence leadership or maintain the current structure.