Thousands take to Kyiv's main street, firm on calls for defense minister's return
Protesters said Fedorov’s reforms improved military procurement transparency and urged Zelenskiy to reverse a dismissal they linked to a clash with the top command.
- On Friday, several thousand Ukrainians rallied through central Kyiv, marking the 16th day of protests signaling strong opposition to President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to oust Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- President Zelensky dismissed Fedorov in mid-July, citing conflict with former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi; organizers described Friday's gathering as a "march for dialogue and reforms in defense."
- Participants emphasized transparency concerns, with 40-year-old IT worker Oleksandr stating, "I don't like it when decisions are made," while 38-year-old businesswoman Iryna vowed to continue protesting until demands are met.
- Despite appointing General Mykhailo Drapatyi as commander, Zelensky has not reversed the dismissal, while Fedorov rejected alternative government roles, maintaining he will serve only as defense minister.
- Matteo Mecacci, Director of the European Policy Institute, said the new commander might restore trust but noted, "the focus must therefore be on effective crisis management." Fedorov's reappointment appears unlikely.
57 Articles
57 Articles
Thousands rally in Kyiv, renew calls for defense minister's return
Several thousand Ukrainians rallied through central Kyiv on Friday, signaling to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that opposition to his decision to oust Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, widely credited with driving military innovation during Ukraine's
Very popular, Mr. Fedorov had been dismissed, in mid-July, by Volodymyr Zelensky because of his differences with the commander-in-chief of the armies, Oleksandr Syrsky, who was also dismissed since then. Moreover, Donald Trump said he wanted to be "very careful" before allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles.
Thousands rally in Kyiv demanding ousted defence minister's reinstatement
KYIV, July 31 - Several thousand Ukrainians rallied through central Kyiv on Friday, signalling to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that opposition to his decision to oust Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, widely credited with driving military innovation during Ukraine's war with Russia, remains strong. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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