After the dismissal of Fedorov, the Ukrainian president appointed Yevheniy Chmara as the acting minister of defense Today’s news
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on Thursday (July 16th) appointed acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) Yevheni Khmara as the country’s acting defense minister.
The government faced growing criticism and public protests over the dismissal of People’s Defense Chief Mykhailo Fedorov.
In announcing the Telegram decision, Zelensky said he would ask parliament to approve Khmara’s appointment, citing the security official’s experience coordinating long-range operations against Russia as a key qualification for the role.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Yevheniy Khmara, formerly the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), was appointed Acting Defense Minister due to his experience coordinating long-range operations against Russia, which President Zelenskiy identified as a key qualification for the role.
Public protests erupted as many citizens called for the reinstatement of Fedorov, seen as a reform-minded leader modernizing Ukraine’s defenses, particularly in the fight against drones, and dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s leadership grew.
Fedorov accused Syrsky of thwarting key defense reforms and fostering divisions in the military, arguing that rather than focusing on defeating Russia, Syrsky’s actions were harming national unity.
Ukraine continues to struggle with manpower shortages, limited air defense systems and increased Russian missile attacks, even as it experiences one of its strongest battlefield momentum since late 2022.
Zelenskyy called for unity among military leaders, acknowledging the tension between Fedorov and Syrsky, while stressing that the president should not take sides during wartime disputes.
“I tasked Yevheniy Chmara to carry out the duties of the minister, continue the reform of the defense sector and ensure that Ukraine achieves all the results we talked about,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The head of the SBU tapped the leadership of the Ministry of Defense
Zelenskyy said the security service had distinguished itself with long-range strikes on Russian military targets and argued that Chmara’s experience would strengthen Ukraine’s defense leadership during the war.
The appointment comes as the government continues a wider wartime cabinet reshuffle. Parliament on Thursday approved a new government led by Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi, although the appointments of the defense and foreign ministers still require parliamentary approval at a later session.
Rare protests against Fedorov’s removal
The change in leadership sparked rare street protests across Ukraine, with hundreds of protesters gathering outside the president’s office in Kyiv and other cities demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.
Protesters chanted “Shame!” and carried signs reading “What for?” and “Russians celebrate.”
The demonstrations marked one of the most visible public expressions of dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s wartime leadership since last year’s protests against anti-corruption reforms.
Fedorov attacked the army commander
After his resignation, Fedorov said he turned down an offer from Zelensky to act as a presidential adviser.
He also sharply attacked Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, accusing him of thwarting defense reforms and creating divisions in the country.
“Instead of figuring out how to defeat Russia … he figured out how to divide the country,” Fedorov said.
Syrskyi dismissed the criticism, urging officials to focus on the war effort, and appeared to mock Fedorov’s public remarks.
Zelensky calls for unity
Responding to the growing controversy, Zelenskiy acknowledged tensions within Ukraine’s military leadership but called for unity as the country continues to fight Russia.
“The president should not choose sides in such a situation during the war,” Zelenskyy said.
“I would very much like unity. The parties have not found it.”
Earlier in the day, Zelensky said he was still considering candidates to replace Fedorov permanently, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko among those being considered.
Cabinet reconstruction is coming at a critical stage
The changes come as Ukraine claims one of its strongest thrusts on the battlefield since late 2022, carrying out long-range drone and missile attacks on Russian military infrastructure and energy facilities.
However, Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian advances in the east, a shortage of ground troops and air defense systems, and increased Russian missile attacks.
Zelenskyy defended the cabinet reshuffle as part of a broader effort to rebuild the government and improve wartime governance.
New Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi he said his administration’s immediate priorities include expanding drone production, strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry and preparing the country’s energy infrastructure for another winter of Russian attacks.
Read also | Ukraine protest: Why thousands of protesters chant “shame” in Kiev
