Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine’s popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
The ouster sparked rare protests as lawmakers weighed Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as a replacement and critics warned the reform drive could slow.
- On July 15, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a government reshuffle. Parliament is expected to vote on Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as his replacement on July 16.
- Lawmakers and analysts attribute the dismissal to deep-seated conflicts between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding military reform priorities. Observers described the tension as a generational clash between an innovative manager and a traditional military general.
- During his six-month tenure, Fedorov advanced drone production to roughly 200,000 units monthly and secured Starlink access for Ukrainian forces. He also launched a "logistics lockdown" campaign and procurement reforms that saved the state budget billions of dollars.
- Hundreds of citizens gathered at Franko Square on Thursday as veteran activist Dmytro Koziatynskyi organized protests against the dismissal. Demonstrators opposed the government's frequent cabinet reshuffles amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
- Critics warn the leadership transition could destabilize the defence ministry while Ukraine faces critical manpower shortages and ongoing Russian pressure. Maintaining institutional progress remains essential as the government attempts to stabilize leadership during this critical wartime phase.
189 Articles
189 Articles
Protests in Ukraine are continuing for the second day over the dismissal of former minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who comes from the tech sector.
The new Ukrainian government on Friday named interim foreign and defense ministers. While Andriy Sybih, who held the post before the dismissal of the previous government, will take over the leadership of diplomacy, the popular Mykhailo Fedorov will be replaced at the defense ministry by Yevhen Khmara, the current interim head of the SBU civilian counterintelligence agency. President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to formally nominate both men to…
The fallout of the fallout: Zelensky’s reshuffle and protests in Ukraine
Cover image: picture alliance / NurPhoto | Emmanuele Contini The problem For the second July running, a controversial decision from President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked protests across Ukraine. Last year it was his attempt to weaken two anti-corruption bodies. This time it is the dismissal of his popular young defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, after just six months on the job. Zelensky cited a breakdown of relations between the ministry of…
Selenskyj appointed intelligence officer Chmara as new defence minister. Some new ministers have already been confirmed by the Ukrainian parliament
Joseph Vijay Cautions His Ministers Against Going To Schools In The Name Of Review After His Minister Keerthana Fiasco
In the aftermath of the controversy surrounding Industries and Commerce Minister S. Keerthana’s interaction with a government school student, the Tamil Nadu government issued a circular barring political party functionaries and private individuals from entering government school classrooms, declaring that educational institutions are meant solely for learning and not for political activities. Reiterating his stance in the backdrop of the Keertha…
Ukraine has received a new Prime Minister in the person of Serhiy Koretsky, while the departure of Mykhailo Fedorov and the reorganization of the Ministry of Defense have sparked serious controversy.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
