Protests erupt across Ukraine after popular Minister of Defense resigned

Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

Demonstrations began in major cities of Ukraine after news came that Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular Minister of Defense praised for his effectiveness, resigned.

On Thursday morning many Ukrainians took to the streets to protest the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov just 6 months after he was appointed the Minister of Defense. For many, this decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zenlenskyy seems controversial at least, while some view it as ungrounded and detrimental to country’s defense against ongoing Russian aggression.

During a media briefing, originally held for Fedorov to give a report about his results as a Minister, he gave sharp comments regarding the Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as well as other remarks regarding reforms and ongoing problems of Ukrainian Forces. He accused Syrskyi of obstructing many of the planned military reforms. He also shared with the journalists how the decision to dismiss him, telling them that Zelenskyy chose the C-in-C over him, and that Fedorov himself accepted this decision.

The argument between Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and military leadership hasn’t been a secret for a long time. It is often understood that higher-ups in the Ukrainian military remain conservative and are slow to take and use the innovations introduced by Ministry of Defense.

Ukrainians gathered in major cities across the country, with the biggest protests happening in Kyiv close to Zelenskyy’s office. People wrote words of support to Fedorov on cardboards, along with other slogans slamming Zelenskyy and Syrskyi. Reportedly people are planning to continue protesting until President’s decision is reversed.

Previously the 35 year old Fedorov served as Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation, introducing Diya – a digital platform which allowed Ukrainians to use a lot of government services without going to offices and making appointments. Since the start of Russian full-scale invasion he used his position to support Ukrainian defense with cutting edge technologies such as drones. Many link Ukraine’s recent successes such as stalling Russian advance with Fedorov and his team.