Political Crisis and Protests in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Defends Defence Minister Sacking
Political crisis and protests in Ukraine – Ukraine is experiencing a significant political crisis and protests in Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister. The move has sparked widespread public reaction and raised questions about military-civilian relations. During a press conference in Kyiv with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy acknowledged tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, describing it as a “challenging dialogue” that ultimately required difficult choices.
“I would very much like to see unity,” Zelenskyy explained. “The sides have not found it. And the problem lies not only with the sides, but with me as well.” The president noted that when unity remains elusive, leadership must choose between competing factions. He confirmed his support for Syrskyi and announced that Yevhenii Khmara, currently acting head of Ukraine’s security service, would serve as the new acting defence minister pending parliamentary approval.
Public Reaction and Historical Significance
The political crisis and protests in Ukraine have intensified since the announcement. More than one thousand demonstrators gathered outside the presidential office on Thursday, displaying placards in support of Fedorov. Some signs posed simple but pointed questions: “For what?” and “Is your head screwed on?” Meanwhile, loud chants calling for Syrskyi’s removal echoed through Kyiv streets.
This represents only the second time since Russia’s 2022 invasion that substantial numbers of Ukrainians have protested against their own government. A comparable wave of public discontent occurred approximately one year ago when Zelenskyy ordered the closure of two anti-corruption agencies, though he subsequently reversed that decision amid public pressure.
Starmer’s Final Kyiv Visit
The domestic political crisis and protests in Ukraine temporarily overshadowed Prime Minister Starmer’s farewell visit before he departs Downing Street on Monday. The two leaders placed wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance and held private discussions in the presidential palace garden, sitting together beneath shade.
During their joint press conference, Zelenskyy presented Starmer with the Order of Freedom, Ukraine’s highest foreign honour. In an emotional moment, Starmer offered Zelenskyy a framed Ukrainian flag that had hung above Downing Street in February 2022 as Russian forces approached Kyiv.
“I would very much like to see unity. The sides have not found it. And the problem lies not only with the sides, but with me as well.”
Starmer assured that British support would remain steadfast despite his impending departure from office. “The support of the United Kingdom for this course will never change,” he stated. “It is in our bones. The flags are flying in churches and town halls across the country, as they have throughout the duration of this conflict. Your fight is our fight.”
The British prime minister emphasized that Ukrainian drone operations targeting long-range objectives within Russia have shifted the war’s momentum. According to Starmer, Putin was “losing,” and he described the more hopeful atmosphere in Ukraine over the preceding six or seven months as particularly significant. “It’s down to hard work, guts, resolve and courage,” he remarked.
Fedorov’s Perspective
Fedorov held a separate press conference where he criticized Ukraine’s military leadership for obstructing reforms and maintaining outdated Soviet-era practices. He argued that decisions regarding brigade support and drone allocations were driven by “loyalty” rather than objective data. “It’s impossible to develop the system on this basis,” Fedorov declared.
According to Fedorov, the general staff resisted his proposals to create centres of excellence and restructure the army’s organizational framework. Rather than embracing innovation, they blocked initiatives and engaged in what he termed “bureaucratic wrangling.” Fedorov revealed that he had previously suggested replacing Syrskyi—a recommendation that apparently led to his own dismissal on Wednesday.
“This sort of culture needs to be eradicated, because otherwise we won’t be able to defeat an enemy whose system is plagued by the very same issues.”
He emphasized that Ukraine had no alternative if it wished to defeat Russia asymmetrically while minimizing casualties. Fedorov also disclosed that he had declined Zelenskyy’s offer to remain in government, choosing instead to step aside and allow fresh leadership to address the challenges facing Ukraine’s defence sector.
