Kyiv protesters rally for reappointment of dismissed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov

Protesters gathered in Kyiv on Friday to call for the reinstatement of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed in a controversial government reshuffle that has sparked a broader political crisis. The demonstrators announced an open‑ended rally, demanding that President Volodymyr Zelensky reverse the decision and reappoint Fedorov to lead the armed forces.

The reshuffle, criticized for its lack of transparency and for removing a minister widely regarded as a key figure in Ukraine’s defence strategy, has intensified tensions within the administration and among opposition groups. Fedorov’s supporters argue that his dismissal undermines the country’s military readiness, while critics contend that the move was necessary to address internal corruption and inefficiency.

The protest marks a significant escalation in public dissent over the president’s cabinet choices. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the rally will lead to a formal review of the minister’s dismissal, but the event underscores growing frustration with the current leadership’s decision‑making process.