Rallies erupt in Ukraine as Defense Minister Fyodorov steps down
Protests erupted across several Ukrainian cities on Thursday, July 16, following reports that Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov is stepping down. In Kiev, demonstrators gathered in Ivan Franko Square, waving Ukrainian and EU flags while demanding Fyodorov’s reinstatement.
In protest of the decision, Colonel Pavel Elizarov, deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, announced his resignation from the military. He directly linked his departure to Fyodorov's removal, calling it a major blow to the country's defense potential. Similar demonstrations were reported in Lviv, Odessa, Dnipro, and several other regional hubs.
Fyodorov rejects presidential adviser offer
During a press briefing on Thursday, Fyodorov confirmed he had turned down an offer from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to remain in the government as a presidential adviser. He stressed that he never sought power for its own sake and rejected all allegations of political maneuvering or wrongdoing.
Fyodorov called for an honest discussion about the situation within the armed forces and publicly urged the replacement of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. He accused Syrskyi of blocking reform initiatives and failing to adapt to asymmetric warfare.
Political reshuffle raises western concerns
The turmoil in the defense ministry coincides with a broader government overhaul. On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed the cabinet led by Yulia Svyrydenko, subsequently approving Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretsky as the new Prime Minister. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is currently tipped as a likely candidate to lead the Defense Ministry.
Fyodorov, 35, was appointed in January 2026 as Ukraine's youngest defense minister, tasked with modernizing the military through technological innovation and drone integration. Kremlin-aligned media outlets described his removal as advantageous for Russia, whereas Western observers expressed concern, with the Financial Times labeling the reshuffle "self-destructive."
