Ukraine’s political crisis over Fedorov removal is still echoing in Kyiv, with protests continuing and critics saying President Zelensky has taken a hit.
Ukraine’s political crisis over Fedorov removal is still rumbling through Kyiv, even after an acting defence minister was named and a new commander-in-chief took charge of the military. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 15 July decision not to reappoint Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, as part of a cabinet reshuffle, has triggered days of protests and fresh questions about the president’s judgment.
Fedorov’s supporters, many of them young, have kept up street demonstrations and are calling for him to be brought back. On Thursday, Fedorov said he had turned down Zelensky’s offers of other government posts. He argued that only three jobs really gave someone the power to shape the war effort: defence minister, commander-in-chief, or president. Former deputy defence minister Alina Frolova said that without a ministry, a politician has no budget and no real authority to act.
The row has also raised political intrigue in a country that is still under martial law and has no elections scheduled. Fedorov’s mention of the presidency drew attention, and some commentators now wonder whether the dismissed minister may see himself as a future challenger to Zelensky. One former defence official went further, saying Fedorov became a serious presidential prospect the moment he was removed. An anonymous opposition MP dismissed that approach as childish and said Fedorov was simply trying to advance his career at the wrong moment.
“Ukraine’s political crisis over Fedorov removal is still echoing in Kyiv, with protests continuing and critics saying President Zelensky has taken a hit.”
Zelensky’s allies say the president has worked hard to steady the situation, especially in choosing who should replace the unpopular Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief. He ultimately selected Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a former commander of Ukraine’s land forces. Former government adviser Yuriy Sak said Zelensky consulted widely inside the military before deciding, and he described Drapatyi as a battle-tested, modern general who can strengthen Ukraine’s defences.
Still, supporters of Fedorov argue that the damage from the Fedorov removal has already been done. Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker from Zelensky’s own party, said people want leaders who look modern, young, and committed to fighting corruption. He also said the removal of Fedorov appears to have had the opposite of the intended effect, with the minister’s standing rising sharply after he was pushed aside.
Analysts quoted in the report say the episode should not derail Ukraine’s war effort, even if it has weakened Zelensky’s authority. The country is bracing for another Russian attack on its energy grid before winter, while the front lines remain largely frozen under constant drone surveillance. The takeaway: Zelensky may have patched the military chain of command, but the Fedorov removal has left a political wound that is still open.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Fedorov’s removal cause such a backlash?
Supporters, especially young protesters, say he represented a modern, anti-corruption, pro-war leadership style. His removal is seen by some as having boosted his standing rather than weakened it.
What posts did Zelensky offer Fedorov after removing him?
The article says Zelensky offered Fedorov other government posts, but it does not name them. Fedorov said he turned them down.
Who did Zelensky choose to lead the military after the reshuffle?
He selected Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a former commander of Ukraine’s land forces, as commander-in-chief.
Has the Fedorov dispute changed Ukraine’s war effort?
Analysts quoted in the article say it should not derail the war effort. But they also say it may have weakened Zelensky’s authority politically.
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