Key facts
- Protests demanding the return of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister are ongoing in Ukraine.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as the new head of Ukraine's armed forces.
- Fedorov has reportedly rejected a new government role and seeks reinstatement as defense minister.
- Ukrainian forces have conducted drone strikes on Russian logistics sites and warehouses.
- Dmytro Koziatynsky, a protest organizer, vowed indefinite action if Fedorov is not reinstated.
Protests demanding the return of Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine's defense minister are set to continue, despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy's attempt to appease public anger by firing Syrskyi and appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces has not satisfied protesters, who vow indefinite action if Fedorov is not reinstated.
Fedorov, who reportedly turned down a new government role, seeks to return to his previous position to implement his modernization plans for the army. The defense minister post is now held by Yevhenii Khmara in an acting capacity. Protest organizer Dmytro Koziatynsky announced plans for continued rallies, emphasizing that all societal demands must be heard.
This political crisis unfolds as Ukrainian forces continue to strike Russian logistics sites, including warehouses of the online retailer Wildberries. The new Commander-in-Chief Drapatyi has stated his intention to intensify offensive operations. Meanwhile, Russian officials have downplayed the impact of the leadership changes on the frontline.