Ukrainian soldiers protest removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov

Protests broke out across several Ukrainian cities on Thursday following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov, the country’s deputy prime minister for digital transformation and a prominent figure in the war effort. Demonstrators gathered outside government buildings in Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv, chanting slogans that called for transparency and accusing the administration of sidelining a key reformer. The protests coincided with a social‑media surge in which active‑duty soldiers posted messages criticizing the removal, arguing that Fedorov’s initiatives on digital communications and logistics had been vital to frontline operations.

Government officials confirmed that Fedorov’s departure was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle aimed at consolidating the war cabinet and streamlining decision‑making. The Defense Ministry said the restructuring would not affect ongoing digital projects, while opposition parties demanded clarification on the criteria used for the change. As the debate continues, analysts note that the public and military backlash underscores the sensitivity of personnel moves amid Ukraine’s sustained conflict, and observers will watch closely how the new appointments influence both domestic reform and wartime coordination.