Ukrainian protest: Why thousands of protesters take to the streets and chant "shame" in front of Zelensky's office in Kyiv

Public protests erupted across Ukraine on Thursday following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as growing rifts between the reform-minded official and Kiev’s top military leadership became more visible during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s second wartime cabinet reshuffle in a year.

Speculation that Fedorov’s ouster was linked to disagreements between him and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky was effectively confirmed by statements from both Fedorov and Zelensky.

Zelenskyi’s decision to leave Fedorov out of the new government line-up sparked public frustration, with many supporters backing the 35-year-old technology expert, who has worked to modernize Ukraine’s underarmed military and improve its effectiveness in the war against Russia.

‘For what’, ‘Russians celebrate’

Demonstrators gathered in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, calling for Fedorov’s return. Protesters and military officials are angry because Fedorov has been seen as an effective reformer who has clamped down on corruption, embraced modern drone warfare and improved conditions on the front line, according to the BBC.

A crowd of mostly young protesters gathered in Kiev on Thursday morning, carrying banners reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging the victory!”

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More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside President Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s office in Kyiv, chanting “Shame!” and holding signs with messages such as “For what?” and “Russians celebrate”.

The protest evoked memories of large-scale demonstrations in July last year, when public pressure forced Zelensky to withdraw a controversial decision that limited the independence of anti-corruption agencies.

One protester, who identified himself as Ali, said Fedorov represented progress and described him as an efficient manager with an eye to the future. “We are for an upgrade – not a downgrade,” he said, adding: “We are seeing results, we are seeing clear progress in our fight for freedom.”

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But some protesters directed their anger at military commander Oleksandr Syrsky, calling on Zelensky to fire him instead.

What did Fedorov say?

In a strong criticism of military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Fedorov claimed that the general had obstructed several initiatives launched by the ministry and avoided directly addressing key issues. “Instead of figuring out how to defeat Russia … he figured out how to divide the country,” he mentioned.

In an interview with journalists in Kyiv, Fedorov said he rejected Zelensky’s offer to continue working as an adviser, Reuters reported.

Syrskyi reacts

Syrskyi, 60, has served as Ukraine’s top military commander since early 2024, but has faced criticism for what some soldiers describe as a heavy-handed leadership approach that has contributed to heavy troop casualties.

In a statement, Syrskyi called for the focus to remain on Ukraine’s war effort and emphasized his role in helping to defend Kiev during the first weeks of Russia’s 2022 invasion.

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“And now in this city you can hold briefings, develop visions and make decisions,” he mentioned in what appeared to be a response to Fedorov’s press conference earlier in the day.

The Commander-in-Chief resigns

Meanwhile, Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force and a prominent figure in the country’s drone combat operations, announced his resignation following Fedorov’s dismissal, calling the decision a “great evil” for Ukraine’s defense.

Lawmakers said the newly approved government led by energy executive Sergiy Koretsky could appoint current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as Fedorov. This possible move has raised concerns among some about confidence in Zelensky’s leadership.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine

Ukraine is said to be in its strongest position on the battlefield since late 2022, conducting drone and missile strikes against Russia’s oil infrastructure and military supply networks in an effort to disrupt Moscow’s war-fighting capabilities.

However, Ukrainian forces continue to struggle with a slow but steady Russian advance in the eastern regions, facing a severe shortage of front-line troops and limited air defense systems as Moscow steps up its ballistic missile attacks.