Zelenskyy under growing pressure to reinstate sacked defence minister

Lead

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a widely popular figure credited with transforming the defence ministry and reducing corruption, according to multiple reports. The move prompted protests in Kyiv and drew concern from foreign partners, coming as part of a wider government reshuffle.

Coverage comparison

ABC Australia framed the dismissal as a potentially significant blow to Ukraine's war effort, describing the decision as baffling and noting Fedorov's role in helping the military innovate and make gains on the battlefield. The outlet's report highlighted the impact of the firing on Ukraine's military strategy.

France 24 — English similarly focused on the challenges facing Ukraine's war effort, reporting that Fedorov had made a difference on the battlefield and in an anti-corruption drive. The outlet noted that Zelenskyy said he had to choose a side for the sake of unity, but characterised the timing as awkward for the war effort.

Multiple reports from The Guardian — World emphasised Fedorov's achievements during his six months in officeholed up, including a dramatic increase in domestic drone production and negotiations with Elon Musk to shut down Starlink terminals used by Russian forces. The Guardian also documented protests in Ukraine against the dismissal, with more than 1,000 people turning out in Kyiv, and noted pleas from foreign partners and civil society for Zelenskyy to keep Fedorov in his post.

Key claims

• Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov as defence minister as part of a broader government reshuffle, according to ABC Australia, France 24 — English card The Guardian.
• Fedorov's six months in office saw major improvements in Ukraine's defence capabilities. The Guardian reported that he was credited with transforming the defence ministry and reducing corruption, including negotiating with Elon Musk to shut down Starlink terminals used by Russian forces.
• Protests against the firing took place in Kyiv, with more than 1,000 people gathering, The Guardian reported. Demonstrators expressed opposition to Zelenskyy's decision.
• Zelenskyy said he had to choose a side for the sake of unity, a claim reported by France 24 — English.
• ABC Australia reported that Fedorov was credited with helping the military innovate and make gains on the battlefield, while The Guardian noted he was widely seen as having transformed the defence ministry and reduced corruption.

Perspectives

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that drew immediate criticism from protesters and some foreign observers. In a Telegram post announcing his departure, Fedorov described it as a "great honour" to have served the Ukrainian people, and his aide Serhii Sternenko wrote bitterly: "It is a pity our country today is significantly further from victory. Real reforms have not even been all" — suggesting frustration with the decision.

Foreign partners and civil society had reportedly pleaded with Zelenskyy to keep Fedorov in his post, according to The Guardian. The reports indicate a divide between Zelenskyy's decision and the sentiment of some Ukrainians and international observers, who saw Fedorov's dismissal as a setback for the war effort.