Protests erupted in several Ukrainian cities on Thursday morning after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a sweeping government reshuffle, with crowds chanting shame and bring Fedorov back in central Kyiv as Russia simultaneously struck the capital, killing two people including a teenager, on the morning of outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s farewell visit.
Fedorov, 35, championed Ukrainian start-up companies in developing drones that helped blunt Russian advances and inflict damage on energy infrastructure deep inside Russia. Supporters say his attempts to clean up defence procurement angered parts of the establishment, while he has also been criticised for failing to deliver quickly enough on his pledge to reform recruitment. Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday he expected the defence ministry and military leaders to work with greater unity, appearing to confirm reports of tension between Fedorov and top generals.
Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Pavlo Yelizarov submitted his resignation in protest, calling Fedorov’s removal a great evil for the country’s defence capability. Fedorov himself posted on social media that it was a great honour to serve, without criticising the decision.
Zelenskyy nominated Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretsky for prime minister, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko set to take over at defence. Zelenskyy cited Koretsky’s energy sector experience as key to preparing Ukraine for another difficult winter. Starmer arrived in Kyiv by train hours after the Russian strikes to hold his final overseas meeting as prime minister.
