Ukrainians protest dismissal of defense minister Fedorov
8 reported2 unconfirmed
Thousands of Ukrainians have taken to the streets in cities including Kharkiv and Sloviansk to demand the reinstatement of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed last week by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after six months in office. The protests, which include a Friday deadline for Zelenskyy to restore Fedorov and dismiss army commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, stem from a schism between Fedorov and the military’s top brass. Fedorov was a key architect of Ukraine’s deep-strike drone and cruise missile attacks inside Russia, which have given Ukraine leverage by targeting Russia’s economy and war effort. Protesters, many of them young, frame the conflict in generational terms, casting Fedorov as a high-tech warrior who prefers drones over costly ground assaults, while criticizing Syrskyi for what they call a Soviet-era military culture that accepts high casualties. Zelenskyy said he “understands, hears and responds” to the people and held meetings with Fedorov, Syrskyi, and senior officers over the weekend. Some soldiers and senior officers have warned the dismissal was a mistake, though others caution against a simplified view of the dispute.
What’s reported
Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed as defense minister last week after six months in office by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Fedorov was a key architect of Ukraine’s deep-strike drone and cruise missile attacks inside Russia.
Protesters in Kharkiv and other cities have given a Friday deadline for Zelenskyy to restore Fedorov and dismiss army commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Protesters describe Syrskyi as reflecting a Soviet-era military culture that accepts high losses, abuse, and corruption; soldiers used the nickname “Butcher” for Syrskyi due to high casualties during the defense of Bakhmut.
Zelenskyy said he “understands, hears and responds” to the people and held meetings with Fedorov, Syrskyi, and senior officers over the weekend.
Deputy commander of the Ukrainian air force, Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned in protest and called Fedorov’s dismissal a “great evil for the country’s defense capability.”
Col. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the 1st Corps Azov, wrote on Facebook about the importance of mutual trust between the state and the people.
War veteran Mariia Berlinska wrote on Facebook that it is incorrect to draw a simplified dualistic picture of the conflict.
Open questions
Whether President Zelenskyy will meet the protesters’ Friday deadline to reinstate Fedorov and dismiss Syrskyi.
The specific reasons behind the schism between Fedorov and the military’s top brass beyond public clashes.
Key figures
Mykhailo Fedorov, former defense minister of Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine
Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander in chief of the Ukrainian army
Yulia Korniienko, protester in Kharkiv
Vlad, drone pilot (only first name given)
Vanya, drone pilot (only first name given)
Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of the Ukrainian air force
Col. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the 1st Corps Azov of the National Guard
Mariia Berlinska, war veteran and founder of Center for Support of Aerial Reconnaissance and Victory Drones
Vladislav Biletskyi, software engineer and protester in Kharkiv
Sources: csmonitor.com
