Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing mounting criticism after removing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular reformist widely credited with modernising Ukraine’s military and expanding its use of battlefield technology.
The decision triggered protests in Kyiv and several other cities on Thursday, with demonstrators carrying signs reading “Hands Off Fedorov” and “Stop Sabotaging Victory” while accusing the government of undermining Ukraine’s war effort.
Zelensky has nominated Major General Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), to serve as acting defence minister, describing him as a leader with extensive experience in modern technological warfare.
The dismissal follows months of reported tensions between Fedorov and Ukraine’s military leadership. Fedorov later confirmed that he had recommended replacing Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, proposals that Zelensky rejected.
Speaking at a press conference, Zelensky acknowledged there had been long-running disagreements between the Defence Ministry and the General Staff, saying the conflict had become “systemic” and required presidential intervention.
Fedorov said he had attempted to continue working with Syrskyi after learning the commander would remain in his post, but claimed many of his reform proposals were blocked.
“Instead of finding new ways to defeat Russia asymmetrically, the commander-in-chief has found a way of dividing our country,” Fedorov said.
Syrskyi responded in a brief statement, saying he remained focused on the war effort and wished Fedorov success.
Appointed defence minister in January, the 35-year-old Fedorov earned praise for introducing technological innovations, combating corruption and improving military procurement.
Before taking the role, he served as Ukraine’s digital transformation minister, where he established the volunteer “IT Army of Ukraine”, led the successful “Army of Drones” fundraising campaign and introduced data-driven systems to improve battlefield performance.
His ministry also played a key role in expanding Ukraine’s drone capabilities and supporting long-range strikes against Russian positions, including operations targeting occupied Crimea.
Fedorov revealed that Zelensky had offered him a role as a presidential adviser, but he declined while insisting he was acting according to his conscience.
Although he said he still believed Zelensky would ultimately resolve the dispute, many soldiers, military experts and civil society figures publicly criticised the president’s decision.
Several military personnel described the dismissal as damaging to Ukraine’s defence capabilities, while prominent bloggers and former advisers praised Fedorov as one of the country’s most effective defence ministers.
The leadership shake-up comes as Ukraine continues to battle Russia’s full-scale invasion and pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its military during the ongoing war.
