Key facts
- Protests in Ukraine demanding the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov are losing momentum.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky has not publicly responded to the protesters' central demand.
- Fedorov was dismissed in mid-July amid a government reshuffle, with Zelensky citing a conflict with the former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- Zelensky later dismissed Syrskyi and appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor.
- Zelensky offered Fedorov a government position focused on technology, but Fedorov has stated he only wants to be defense minister.
- Organizers plan another demonstration for August 14, ahead of parliament's return on August 18.
Protests in Ukraine calling for the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov are losing momentum, with organizers expressing frustration over President Volodymyr Zelensky's continued refusal to address their core demand. The movement, which began in mid-July after Fedorov's dismissal, initially expanded to include calls for the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelensky eventually dismissed Syrskyi, appointing General Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor, a move that some believe diluted the protests' focus.
Despite this concession, protesters continue to demand Fedorov's return to the defense ministry. Zelensky has offered Fedorov another government role focused on technology, but Fedorov has rejected this, insisting on his former position. Zelensky has not publicly engaged with the protests, leading organizers to question how to apply further pressure.
Organizers are planning another demonstration for August 14, hoping to influence President Zelensky before parliament reconvenes on August 18. The situation leaves the Defense Ministry operating under an interim arrangement with acting minister Yevhen Khmara, who cannot appoint deputies and continues to work with Fedorov's team, complicating operations during wartime.