Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his post on Thursday, citing a systemic conflict between the ministry and the military's General Staff. Zelensky noted that Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi were unable to cooperate without presidential mediation. Following the announcement, demonstrators gathered in Kyiv and other cities to protest the decision, while some members of parliament expressed opposition to the leadership change.
Fedorov, who was appointed in January, told reporters he had previously recommended the replacement of General Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov. He stated that his initiatives were frequently blocked by military leadership. In response, Syrskyi issued a statement on Telegram maintaining that he would continue to focus on war strategy and the defense of the country.
Zelensky has named Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the Security Service (SBU), as the acting defence minister. This move is part of a broader government reshuffle that included the appointment of Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister. Fedorov, known for his focus on digital transformation and drone warfare, declined an offer to remain in the administration as an adviser.