Mykhailo Fedorov, recently sacked as Ukraine's defence minister, has become a potent political opponent of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, drawing weeks of demonstrations in Kyiv, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Mykhailo Fedorov was recently sacked as Ukraine's defence minister after six months in the role.
- Demonstrators have gathered for more than a month in Ivan Franko Square outside Zelenskyy's office.
- On Sunday evening, 2,000 people marched along Khreshchatyk in support of Fedorov.
- Ukraine's parliament approved Yevhen Khmara as his successor on Wednesday.
- Zelenskyy has refused to reinstate Fedorov.
Mykhailo Fedorov, recently dismissed as Ukraine’s defence minister, has emerged as a potent political opponent of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the Guardian. His blistering critique comes at a time of what the outlet describes as growing pressure for democratic renewal in Ukraine.
For more than a month, demonstrators have gathered in Ivan Franko Square outside Zelenskyy’s office in Kyiv. The protesters have been chanting a name — not that of Ukraine’s embattled president, but that of the man he recently sacked as defence minister.
On Sunday evening, 2,000 people marched along Khreshchatyk, Kyiv’s main boulevard, waving cardboard banners in support of their ousted figure, the Guardian reported.
Zelenskyy has refused to reinstate Fedorov, who during his six months in the job was widely seen as an effective and reforming figure. His removal has fuelled the ongoing demonstrations.
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s parliament, the Rada, voted to approve a successor as defence minister, Yevhen Khmara. According to the Guardian, the move shows that Fedorov has been shut out from government permanently.
The vote confirms Fedorov’s transition from trusted insider and Zelenskyy loyalist to a prominent political opponent, the outlet said.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights internal political tensions in Ukraine at a critical time. A former ally turning into a rival, alongside sustained street protests, points to pressure for change even as the country faces significant challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Mykhailo Fedorov sacked?
The sources confirm Fedorov was recently sacked by President Zelenskyy as defence minister after six months in the role, but do not state the specific reason for his removal.
Who replaced Fedorov as defence minister?
On Wednesday, Ukraine's parliament, the Rada, voted to approve Yevhen Khmara as the new defence minister, according to the Guardian.
How large have the protests been?
Demonstrators have gathered for more than a month outside Zelenskyy's office, and on Sunday evening 2,000 people marched along Kyiv's main boulevard, Khreshchatyk.