Protests have broken out in cities across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision the president has not publicly explained.
Key facts
- President Zelensky has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- The dismissal has sparked protests in Ukrainian cities.
- Zelensky has not explained the reason for Fedorov's removal.
- A rift between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was reportedly at the heart of the decision, according to the BBC.
Protests have erupted in cities across Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to remove defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, according to the BBC. The dismissal has caused significant upset among civil society and the military.
Zelensky has not offered a public explanation for the move, leaving the reasons behind Fedorov’s removal unclear. The absence of an official account has fuelled discontent among those taking to the streets.
According to the BBC, a rift between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi appears to have been at the heart of Zelensky’s decision. The reported tensions between the two figures have been cited as a central factor.
Fedorov, described by the BBC as a popular figure, held the defence minister role at a time of heightened attention on Ukraine’s military leadership. His departure has drawn a strong reaction from both civilian and military communities.
The protests underline the sensitivity surrounding personnel changes at the top of Ukraine’s defence establishment. As of the latest reporting, the president had not clarified his reasoning, and demonstrations were continuing in Ukrainian cities.
Why it matters
Personnel decisions within Ukraine's defence leadership carry high stakes, and public unrest signals the depth of feeling among civil society and the military. The lack of a public explanation from President Zelensky risks deepening tensions at a critical moment for the country.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mykhailo Fedorov?
Mykhailo Fedorov is Ukraine's defence minister who has been removed by President Zelensky. The BBC describes him as a popular figure whose dismissal has upset civil society and the military.
Why did Zelensky remove Fedorov?
President Zelensky has not publicly explained the dismissal. According to the BBC, a rift between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi appears to have been at the heart of the decision.
What has been the reaction to the dismissal?
The removal has sparked protests in Ukrainian cities and caused great upset among civil society and the military, according to the BBC.