Protests have broken out in multiple Ukrainian cities following President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise dismissal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on Thursday, July 16th, 2026. In Kyiv, predominantly young demonstrators gathered, holding signs such as "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!" while chanting "Shame!".

The dismissal has caused significant upset among commentators, the military, and sections of civil society. Rumors linking Fedorov's removal to tensions with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi were effectively confirmed by both Fedorov and Zelensky. Fedorov disclosed that he had proposed replacing Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov to Zelensky.

At a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelensky acknowledged systemic conflicts between the General Staff and the defence ministry occurring at multiple levels. He stated that Syrskyi and Fedorov would only collaborate with his mediation. Fedorov said, "When the president said he did not plan to replace Syrskyi, I... said I would learn to work with him."

Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi posted on Telegram expressing pride in the 2022 defence operation around Kyiv when Russian forces were advancing and affirmed his commitment to focus on the war and strategy, wishing Fedorov "continued success."

Parliament was scheduled to vote on Thursday regarding Ihor Klymenko, head of the interior ministry, as a proposed replacement for defence minister. However, Zelensky indicated Klymenko was only one candidate under consideration and that no official proposal had been submitted.

Prominent blogger Serhii Sternenko, who served as an adviser to Fedorov, praised him as "the best minister of defence in our entire history" and lamented the "bureaucratic obstacles and artificial delays" that hindered deeper reforms.

Sources