In brief
In a move that has shocked many in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, leading to protests in Kyiv and a wave of anger among soldiers. Fedorov, celebrated for boosting drone technology and digital initiatives, had driven rapid reforms that many view as crucial to Ukraine’s war efforts. The abrupt dismissal is seen by some as a dictatorial impulse and threatens to stall vital technological upgrades. Meanwhile, former commander General Oleksandr Syrskyi, whose legacy is tied to Soviet-era military style, stands in opposition to Fedorov’s reforms, deepening divisions within the military leadership.
Ukrainian soldiers and veterans have voiced anger after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov from office, sparking street protests and internal divisions within the armed forces.
According to unnamed members of the military, the decision to leave Fedorov’s post unfilled “is a slap in the face to all service members” and part of a “dictatorial” trend.
The removal was part of a cabinet reshuffle that left the Defense Ministry without a specialist known for driving digital innovation and drone-based tactics against Russian forces.
Fedorov, who was appointed in January, pushed initiatives such as the “Army of Drones: Bonus” scheme that rewarded front‑line units for eliminating enemy equipment, and secured restrictions on Russian access to the Starlink satellite network.
Critics like General Oleksandr Syrskyi, former commander‑in‑chief and seen by many as an archetype of Soviet‑era command, could not reconcile Fedorov’s reform agenda with the traditionalist leadership of the armed forces.
With no successor named, soldiers report that the transition threatens to halt rapid digital upgrades, raising concerns about Ukraine’s readiness for future battles.
The protests, though smaller than those in July 2025, are described by officials as a potentially dangerous shift in domestic politics that “directly impacts the war effort.”
