Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, triggering widespread protests in Kyiv.
Mykhailo Fedorov Criticizes General Oleksandr Syrskyi Over Military Strategy
Friction Between Fedorov and General Syrskyi
The dismissal follows months of intensifying tension within Ukraine’s leadership. Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35-year-old tech entrepreneur credited with modernizing Ukraine’s military through drone warfare and digital procurement reforms, had become increasingly vocal about structural resistance within the armed forces. During a press conference in Kyiv, Fedorov openly criticized the military’s top command, specifically targeting the army chief, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi.
“Instead of figuring out how to defeat Russia asymmetrically, which is the army chief’s task,” Fedorov said, “he has figured out how to divide the country.” He added, The war has completely changed. We can’t keep going on what worked back then.
Fedorov claimed that initiatives proposed by his ministry were being systematically blocked by the military establishment. Fedorov stated, “We encountered a situation in which all the initiatives we proposed began to be blocked… Under this arrangement, I personally do not know how the war can be won.” President Zelenskyy acknowledged the impasse during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, telling reporters that he had attempted to act as a mediator between the two figures. “I wanted unity very much,” Zelenskyy said. “The sides did not find it. And that is not only their problem, but mine as well. I do not absolve myself of responsibility. And I respect the sides, I know their strengths, I know their weaknesses, and I very much want them to strengthen Ukraine. But it is what it is.”
Protesters and Military Officials Denounce the Removal of Mykhailo Fedorov
Public Backlash and Military Resignations
The announcement of Fedorov’s departure prompted immediate public outcry. In Kyiv and other cities, hundreds of protesters gathered to demonstrate against the decision. One university student holding a sign that read “Fedorov was not the problem” told CBS News, “The problem is this government — it is Zelenskyy. Fedorov did a great job.” Another protester, Maria Lavrynets, 31, told the BBC at a protest in Ivan Franko square in central Kyiv, I have lots of friends in the military. Lots of them died. I don’t want this to go on. We see [Fedorov’s] results. We see the motivation of the soldiers, we should stand for them.
The dissatisfaction reached into the upper echelons of the armed forces. Pavlo Yelizarov, a deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, announced his resignation on Facebook, stating, “I believe that the removal of M. Fedorov is a great evil for the country’s defense capability.” The pro-government media organization United24 announced a pause in its publications to “take part in protests following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.” Additionally, one member of the Ukrainian Parliament in Zelenskyy’s own party told CBS News, “100% we will not accept” Fedorov’s replacement.
Yevhen Khmara and Serhii Koretskyi Assume New Government Roles
The Strategic Impact of Tech-Driven Warfare
Fedorov’s tenure was marked by a shift toward asymmetric warfare. In February, Fedorov negotiated an agreement with Elon Musk that saw Russia barred from using the American tech magnate’s Starlink satellite internet service. He also advocated for the use of mid-range drone strikes to disrupt Russian logistics in Crimea and other occupied territories. Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker with Zelenskyy’s party, told NPR that appointing Fedorov “was one of the best decisions Zelenskyy made.”
As the government moves forward with a broader reshuffle, President Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhen Khmara, who currently leads the security service, as the acting defense minister. Khmara has been involved in the long-range strike campaigns against Russia that have hit oil refineries and depots in an attempt to weaken the Kremlin’s ability to wage war. Furthermore, Ukraine’s parliament has approved Zelenskyy’s choice for prime minister, Serhii Koretskyi, the former CEO of Naftogaz.
Ukraine Signs Drone Production Deals With the European Union
The defense minister’s dismissal came just hours after Ukraine signed deals with the European Union to boost drone production. Additionally, President Trump agreed during a NATO summit in Turkey to grant Ukraine the license to produce missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot defense system to defend against Russia’s ballistic missiles. While Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi called for a “focus on war and on an effective strategy” against Russia, the future of the nation’s technological momentum remains a point of contention as protests are expected to continue on Friday.
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