Ukraine's defence minister fired after six months, triggering street protests and a public feud with the top general

A sudden dismissal

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov on 16 July 2026, just six months into the 35-year-old's tenure. The decision triggered immediate protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, where crowds chanted Fedorov's name and carried signs reading "Don't touch Fedorov!" and "Stop sabotaging the victory!" Fedorov had been appointed in January to modernise a war-weary military, and his departure is the second wartime cabinet overhaul in a year.

The public feud

Fedorov used his own press conference to accuse General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the armed forces since February 2024, of blocking his initiatives and fostering a culture of lies. He said he had asked Zelenskiy to replace Syrskyi and chief of staff Andrii Hnatov, but the president refused. "Instead of working out how to asymmetrically defeat Russia... he has worked out how to split the country," Fedorov said. Syrskyi issued a brief statement thanking Fedorov for his work and insisting the focus must remain on the war, without addressing the substance of the accusations.

We hit a situation where all the initiatives we proposed were blocked, and Syrskyi, considering all the problems we discussed today, is not ready to look (me) in the eye and talk openly about the problems.

Zelenskiy's response

Speaking alongside visiting British prime minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskiy acknowledged the conflict between the general staff and the defence ministry had been "systemic" and occurred "at several levels." He said Syrskyi and Fedorov would only cooperate with his mediation. "A wartime president should not have to choose in such a situation. Honestly, I would really wish for unity. Both parties did not find it," Zelenskiy said. Fedorov later revealed Zelenskiy offered him an advisory role, which he declined, adding he was "sure" the president "listens to the Ukrainian people" and the situation would be resolved.

A wartime president should not have to choose in such a situation. Honestly, I would really wish for unity. Both parties did not find it.

Two visions of the military

Fedorov embodied a tech-forward approach, pushing drones, battlefield data, and competitive procurement. Olena Tregub, director of the anti-corruption watchdog NAKO, said civilian leaders focused on digitisation and transparency while the military command prioritised operational continuity. Under Fedorov, brigades were assessed on 160 indicators and data-driven purchasing reportedly cut the expected cost of a 155 mm shell order by more than 16% in May. Investment banker Serhii Fursa argued Fedorov "made the mistake of becoming too popular and extremely effective" and "decided not to tolerate corruption." A Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll placed Fedorov second among political figures in net trust.

The differences seem to stem mainly from competing institutional priorities rather than personal conflicts. Civilian leaders focused on digitisation, transparency, competitive procurement and data-driven management, while the military command naturally prioritised operational continuity and battlefield effectiveness.

Fallout and replacements

Fedorov's exit has already pulled other officials out the door: defence ministry adviser Serhii Sternenko and air force deputy commander Pavlo Ielizarov also left. Lawmakers were scheduled to vote on interior minister Ihor Klymenko as Fedorov's replacement. An anonymous frontline soldier told AFP he feared the transition would delay drone deliveries and stall the reform to replace humans with machines. The upheaval comes as Ukraine claimed new strikes on 11 vessels of Russia's shadow fleet on 16 July.

Starmer's farewell visit

Outgoing British prime minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Thursday morning for his final visit in office. He met Zelenskiy and the two laid a wreath to commemorate Ukraine's war dead. Starmer said the UK's "cast-iron" support of Ukraine would "always endure."