What is behind the surprising change of Zelensky’s government and why did it cause protests in Ukraine? | Today’s news

Just as Ukraine appeared to be gaining ground on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered a surprise cabinet reshuffle that included the dismissal of his defense minister, sparking rare protests across the country.

The parliament approved the new prime minister – the former head of the state gas operator Naftogaz, Sergiy Korecki – and most of his team.

However, the appointment was overshadowed by the backlash against the dismissal of the popular Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister and his furious attack on the army’s supreme commander.

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President Zelensky said the reshuffle was part of preparing the country for winter and strengthening martial law, though he offered little explanation for Fedorov’s dismissal.

Fedorov’s dismissal sparked rare protests in Ukraine, with protesters calling for his reinstatement and expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s military leadership.

Fedorov accused Syrsky of obstructing necessary reforms in the army and creating divisions, which led to a public dispute and ultimately his dismissal from the Ministry of Defense.

Yevheny Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), was appointed acting defense minister by President Zelensky following Fedorov’s dismissal.

Fedorov’s ouster raises concerns about the future of Ukraine’s innovative anti-drone strategy, which was central to his tenure as defense minister.

The shake-up comes less than a year since the last reshuffle and just six months after Fedorov was appointed with the task of reforming the military.

It also comes at a moment of relative optimism for Kiev in the war, as Ukrainian troops have halted Russian momentum and stepped up strikes on Russian territory.

Zelenskyy offered little explanation, saying only that “it is important to prepare the country for winter” — a task he entrusted to Korecki.

Opposition lawmaker Inna Sovsun told AFP the move “came out completely unexpectedly”.

Intrigue surrounded the timing.

Political expert Volodymyr Fesenko said the reshuffle was likely linked to Zelensky’s desire to appoint former prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko as US ambassador after Ukrainian media reported the current envoy was facing a corruption investigation.

Koretsky is tasked with preparing Ukraine and the energy sector for the winter, when Russia is expected to resume attacks that have crippled the power grid and left millions without heating or electricity in sub-zero temperatures.

Defense divided

Fedorov’s overthrow divided the country and the military establishment, sparking street protests and unusually direct political statements from senior military officials.

Fedorov said his dismissal was prompted by army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who he said presented Zelensky with an ultimatum.

“A wartime president shouldn’t vote in such a situation, honestly,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the two sides barely spoke.

“I would very much like unity,” he added.

Appointed in January, Fedorov has pushed for military modernization, which has put him at odds with the more traditional Syrian.

“We have to focus on war and on effective strategy,” Syrsky said.

The deputy commander of the air force resigned in protest, saying that the removal of Fedorov would “cause great evil to the defense of the country”.

The head of Ukraine’s joint forces, Mykhailo Drapaty, said to be a possible successor to Syrsky, said the army “needs change” and must not stop reforms.

Zelenskyy appointed Yevgeny Chmara, a career intelligence official with a low political profile, as acting defense minister.

Commander in Chief under fire

Central to the dispute are Fedorov’s accusations that Syrsky was a block to much-needed reforms to an army devastated by four years of war and hit by scandals over the treatment of conscripts.

Born in Soviet Russia in 1965, Syrsky remained in Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

His reputation as an effective commander was tarnished in the first months of the war when he led the defense of Kiev after the Russian invasion and successfully stopped attempts to capture the capital.

He also commanded the autumn 2022 Ukrainian lightning counter-offensive in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, which recaptured parts of the territory.

But he has faced criticism for resembling Soviet-style generals and for not caring about human casualties, unlike Fedorov, who favored drone warfare designed to save lives.

Analysts said Zelensky ultimately chose not to change his commander-in-chief at a crucial moment, opting instead to remove Fedorov, his longtime aide and supporter.

what next

Although Zelenskyy appointed an acting defense minister, the formal appointment must be approved by parliament.

No meeting has yet been scheduled to vote on the replacement.

New protests calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement are planned for Friday evening in various Ukrainian cities.

War impact

Russian military bloggers rejoiced in the chaos, with one thanking Zelensky for dismissing a minister who had “caused so much trouble” for Moscow’s troops.

Drone pioneer Maria Berlinska said the country had lost a “mega-competent minister” who could “turn the tide”.

“We won’t feel the effects tomorrow… but we will feel them by late fall and definitely winter,” she added.

A front-line Ukrainian soldier told AFP they were confused by the decision.

“Unfortunately, political decisions directly determine how we fight, what we fight, and how many people come back alive from this war.”