Protests over defense minister’s dismissal spread to 12 Ukrainian cities

Lead

Protests over the dismissal of Ukraine's Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov have spread to at least 12 cities, according to TASS calculations. Demonstrators are demanding Fyodorov's reinstatement and the removal of Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky. The protests began in Kiev on July 16 and have since expanded to cities across the country.

Coverage Comparison

TASS reports that rallies have been held in Odessa, Nikolayev, Sumy, Chernigov, Ivano-Frankovsk, Lutsk, Lvov, Ternopol, Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov, and Kiev-controlled Zaporozhye, in addition to the capital. On Thursday, more than 1,000 people took part in protest rallies in at least 18 Ukrainian cities, including Kiev and Lvov, according to TASS.

Separately, TASS reported that on July 17, several dozen people gathered on Kiev's Ivan Franko Square near the government quarter, holding cardboard signs in support of Fyodorov and against Syrsky, chanting "Shame!"

Accounts of the protests' scale differ slightly: one TASS article mentions at least 12 cities, while another mentions at least 18 cities on a specific day. Both reports agree that protests have been widespread and have continued for several days.

Key Claims

• Mikhail Fyodorov was dismissed as Ukraine's Defense Minister on July 14, according to TASS. The dismissal occurred amid a conflict with Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky, after Fyodorov called for his replacement.
• Fyodorov, who transitioned into the Ministry of Defense from roles as first deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation, was a controversial figure, according to TASS. His approach often clashed with the General Staff, and meetings of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters frequently devolved into heated exchanges between ministry officials and military commanders.
• At one point, Vladimir Zelensky faced an ultimatum from senior generals to choose between Fyodorov's team or the top brass, as reported by TASS, citing Ukrainskaya Pravda.
• Fyodorov failed to fulfill his promise to reform territorial recruitment centers during his six months as defense chief, according to TASS.
• Verkhovna Rada member Nikita Poturayev warned that Fyodorov's dismissal could prove disastrous for Kiev and potentially lead to the defeat of Ukrainian forces, as reported by TASS, citing the publication Strana. Poturayev, a member of the ruling Servant of the People party, announced his own resignation during a Verkhovna Rada session, citing disagreements over the party's personnel policy. He pledged to join the Ukrainian military after leaving his parliamentary post.
• President Vladimir Zelensky has offered Fyodorov a new government post, according to TASS. In a video address on his Telegram channel, Zelensky said he offered Fyodorov "a worthy position in government that would allow him to consolidate our country's technological capabilities and ensure their continued development." Zelensky did not say whether Fyodorov had accepted the offer.
• TASS reports that Zelensky indicated he sees Yevgeny Khmara as defense minister. Khmara was appointed acting head of the Defense Ministry following Fyodorov's resignation.
• On the sixth day of protests, Zelensky announced Syrsky's dismissal, according to TASS.