Key facts
- Hundreds of Ukrainians rallied in Kyiv on Aug. 14, demanding the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained silent on Fedorov's potential return to the defense ministry.
- Zelensky previously dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, a demand that was met.
- Fedorov has rejected alternative government positions offered by Zelensky.
- The Ukrainian parliament is scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.
Hundreds of Ukrainians gathered in central Kyiv on August 14, continuing protests that demand President Volodymyr Zelensky reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as Defense Minister. The demonstrators expressed frustration over Zelensky's silence on the matter, which has become a focal point of their discontent.
While Zelensky did dismiss Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, fulfilling one of the protesters' key demands, he has not restored Fedorov to his former position. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and protest organizer, voiced his disappointment with the president's lack of communication, stating it has effectively triggered the ongoing demonstrations.
The rallies are occurring as the Ukrainian parliament prepares to return from its summer recess on August 18. Protesters are awaiting whether Zelensky will formally nominate acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara for the role, with some speculating that Zelensky might avoid a vote to prevent further public anger.
Fedorov was a popular figure during his tenure, known for significant reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the military. His dismissal was unexpected, and Zelensky has cited an alleged conflict between Fedorov and Syrskyi as a reason, though a detailed explanation has not been provided. Following Syrskyi's dismissal and the appointment of General Mykhailo Drapatyi, some subsequent protests saw smaller turnouts, but the demand for Fedorov's reinstatement persisted.
Zelensky has largely refrained from direct engagement with the protests. He previously offered Fedorov a significant role in the government focused on the technological sector, such as deputy prime minister for military innovations or leadership of Ukroboronprom. However, Fedorov has rejected these offers, insisting on his return as defense minister.