Key facts
- President Zelensky dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after a meeting on military challenges.
- Zelenskyy cited a breakdown in dialogue between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- Fedorov accused Ukraine's General Staff of obstructing reforms and using "loyalty" over data for military support decisions.
- Over 1,000 protesters gathered in Kyiv supporting Fedorov and chanting "Syrskyi out".
- Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned, with Serhiy Koretskyi expected to replace her.
- Fedorov's tenure saw successful drone strikes on Russian targets and cost reductions in procurement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended his decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, citing a breakdown in dialogue between the minister and the country’s top army leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy stated there had been a "challenging dialogue" between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy expressed a desire for unity, noting that "things are as they are. And in such a situation, you have a choice: either one side or the other."
Zelenskyy’s decision to back Syrskyi has reportedly outraged civil society and dismayed Ukraine’s foreign partners, with over 1,000 protesters gathering outside the presidential office in Kyiv in support of Fedorov.
Meanwhile, Fedorov addressed his own press conference, accusing Ukraine’s General Staff of obstructing reforms and using Soviet-style methods. He claimed decisions on military support, including drones, were made on the basis of "loyalty" rather than data, and that the General Staff had opposed his plans for centres of excellence and organisational changes.
Fedorov suggested that his proposal to replace Syrskyi may have led to his own dismissal. He also stated he had turned down an offer from Zelenskyy to remain as a government adviser.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned, and Serhiy Koretskyi, head of the energy company Naftogaz, is expected to replace her.
During Fedorov’s six-month tenure, Ukraine conducted successful drone strikes on long-range targets inside Russia and achieved cost reductions in procurement, including a ballistic missile program.