Zelenskyy calls for military ‘unity’ after sacking of defense minister sparks protests | Today’s news
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday called for “unity” within the country’s military leadership after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov sparked rare public protests.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy acknowledged the growing feud between ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, saying the conflict had put him in an impossible position.
“Honestly, the president in wartime should not make a choice in such a situation,” Zelenskyy said. “I would very much like unity.
He added that he was still considering who would replace Fedorov, noting that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko was only one of several candidates being discussed.
“The president should not choose sides in such a situation during the war,” Zelenskyy said.
Fedorov rejects the role of adviser
Fedorov, a 35-year-old reform-minded minister who is widely credited with modernizing Ukraine’s defense sector, confirmed that he turned down an offer from Zelensky to serve as a presidential adviser.
Fedorov launched a scathing attack on military chief Oleksandr Syrsky, accusing the general of thwarting key 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.
Fedorov’s fans praised his efforts to reduce bureaucracy, expand drone warfare capabilities and introduce data-driven military planning. He also reportedly pushed for a reworking of defense procurement.
Rare protests erupt
The release sparked one of the largest public demonstrations in Ukraine since the start of the war.
More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside Zelenskyi’s office in Kyiv, chanting “Shame!” and bearing the signs “For what?” and “Russians celebrate.” Similar demonstrations were also reported in other Ukrainian cities.
“We are for an upgrade – not a downgrade,” said one protester, who identified himself as Ali.
“We are seeing results, we are seeing clear progress in our fight for freedom.”
Some protesters also called on Zelensky to recall Syrsky instead of Fedorov.
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Clash with the military leadership
The dispute between Fedorov and Syrsky became one of the most visible internal conflicts within the Ukrainian military leadership.
Syrskyi, who took over as commander-in-chief in early 2024, has faced criticism from some military personnel for what they describe as a rigid command style that has contributed to heavy troop losses.
Despite Ukraine making some of its strongest battlefield gains since late 2022 — including drone and long-range missile strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure and military logistics — Kyiv continues to struggle with manpower shortages and limited air defense systems as Moscow ramps up its ballistic missile attacks.
Cabinet reshuffle feeds uncertainty
The controversy comes as Zelensky’s second major war cabinet reshuffle in a year.
Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday approved a new government led by Prime Minister Sergiy Koretskyi, an energy executive tasked with boosting the country’s war economy and defense production.
In a post on X, Koretskyi outlined the priorities of his government.
“Our main task is to fully equip the army with a number of drones, expand the Ukrainian defense sector and prepare for another winter of Russian strikes on the power grid.”
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