Protests intensify in Ukraine over Zelenskyy's dismissal of defence minister

Protests erupted across major Ukrainian cities after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Defence Minister Oleksandr Hrytsenko on Monday. The decision, made amid a wave of criticism over the ministry’s handling of recent supply shortages and operational setbacks, was met with immediate backlash from opposition lawmakers and civil‑society groups. Demonstrators gathered in Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Odesa, and Kharkiv, chanting slogans demanding a “transparent defence overhaul” and calling for the president’s resignation.

The dismissal follows months of tension between the executive and the defence establishment, with Hrytsenko accused of slow procurement and poor coordination with allied forces. Zelenskyy’s spokesperson said the move was intended to “strengthen the command structure and restore confidence in Ukraine’s armed forces.” However, critics argue that the abrupt change could destabilise ongoing military operations and erode morale among troops. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has urged protesters to disperse peacefully, warning that any escalation could lead to arrests.

As the country remains on high alert, officials have pledged to conduct a swift replacement process. The government is reportedly considering a candidate with a background in logistics and international cooperation. Meanwhile, the protests have drawn attention to broader concerns about governance and accountability in Ukraine’s defence sector, with civil‑society organisations calling for a comprehensive review of defence procurement and oversight mechanisms.