Ukraine's Zelenskiy meets commanders as street protests mount
Thousands protested Fedorov’s removal as Zelensky weighed possible changes to military leadership, with demonstrators demanding reform and the commander-in-chief’s dismissal.
- On Monday, July 20, Ukraine's General Staff officially rejected reports that Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi had been removed from his post, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held meetings with senior military commanders.
- Nationwide protests began July 16 following the government reshuffle and removal of defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with polling from Gradus indicating 61% of Ukrainians opposed the departure.
- More than 5,000 protesters gathered in central Kyiv on July 17, demanding Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrskyi's dismissal, while criticizing the current command for "Soviet-style" tactics.
- Amid the demonstrations, Zelenskyy met with five generals and one colonel, viewed by analysts as potential replacements for Syrskyi, to discuss the battlefield situation along more than 1,200 kilometres of the frontline.
- Organizer Dmytro Koziatynskyi called for "general, indefinite protest" unless Syrskyi is removed and Fedorov reappointed by July 24, though Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov promised a constructive response, stating, "The public's views have been heard.
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88 Articles
The president tries to sew up the crisis and respond to the mobilized squares in support of Fedorov (ANSA)
Five days after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the political crisis in Ukraine is shifting to the military leadership. Kyiv is no longer preoccupied solely with the question of why Fedorov had to leave, but primarily with the question: will Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky remain in office?
Protesters in Ukraine are demanding the dismissal of the military commander-in-chief, amid widespread discontent over the president's dismissal of the popular defense minister following a conflict with the commander-in-chief.
The head of the Ukrainian army rejected speculation about a personal dispute with the former defence minister, Mihailo Fedorov, claiming that disagreements over military policy should not distract attention from Ukraine's war with Russia.
With protests on the streets of Kiev due to the resignation of the Minister of Defense — allegedly provoked by Oleksandr Syrskyi — the army leader tries to defend himself. Government admits to hearing "people's position".
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