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Zelenskyy Dismisses Ukraine Defense Minister After Clash With Army Chief
The ouster triggered protests and a military resignation as critics said the move could slow reforms and weaken Ukraine’s air defenses.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week as part of a government reshuffle, sparking nationwide protests. Fedorov, 35, had served as Ukraine's youngest defense minister for six months.
Personality and policy clashes between Fedorov and Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi prompted the shake-up. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking military reforms because "the war has changed completely" due to new technology.
While Fedorov modernized Ukraine's drone program and restricted Russian access to Starlink, Syrskyi faces criticism over high casualties in Bakhmut. Babel published an investigation last month detailing abuse allegations within the Skelia assault regiment closely associated with Syrskyi.
The ouster triggered protests from veterans and soldiers, while the air force's deputy commander resigned, warning it would weaken air defenses. Critics allege Zelenskyy removed Fedorov to eliminate a potential political rival, threatening his authority.
Russian war bloggers reacted to the dismissal with glee, hoping the controversy fuels political infighting and weakens Ukraine's military. Syrskyi defended his conduct in a column published Monday, stating "I'm fighting Russia" and cooperating with whichever minister the state appoints.