Thousands march in Kyiv demanding reinstatement of former Defense Minister

Thousands of Ukrainians rallied in Kyiv, continuing protests for the 16th day and signaling to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that opposition to his decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov remains strong. Fedorov, credited with driving military innovation during Ukraine's war with Russia, was dismissed in mid-July. Protesters have been gathering next to the presidential office, pushing for Fedorov's reinstatement as he refused to accept another government post. Some Ukrainians questioned whether the war could be won without the technological modernization of the army system that Fedorov embraced. Protest organizer Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a military veteran, suggested Zelenskiy give Fedorov a year to pursue reforms. Ukrainians on the street chanted, "The people are the power," asserting that civilian control over governance is an essential democratic principle. President Zelensky had previously dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a move that met one of the protesters' initial demands, but has not indicated any intention to return Fedorov to his former post. Zelensky has not provided a detailed explanation for Fedorov's dismissal, citing only a conflict between the former minister and Syrskyi, though speculation grew that Fedorov was forced out due to efforts to tackle alleged corruption in the defense sector. Zelensky stated he offered Fedorov a significant role focused on bolstering Ukraine's technological sector, which Fedorov reportedly rejected, insisting he would only serve as defense minister.