Zelensky faces protests after firing defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov

Protests have persisted across several Ukrainian cities after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, the country’s deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation. The decision, revealed in a televised address on Monday, cited a reshuffle aimed at strengthening the government’s response to the ongoing conflict, but demonstrators have taken to the streets demanding clarification and expressing dissatisfaction with the abrupt change. Organizers of the rallies, which have drawn a mix of civil society groups and opposition supporters, cite concerns that Fedoro​v’s removal could disrupt critical digital initiatives and undermine reforms that have been central to Ukraine’s wartime governance.

Political analysts observing the fallout note that Zelensky’s move may have inflicted damage on his own standing, with several commentators suggesting the president’s popularity has waned amid the unrest. Experts point to the timing of the dismissal, which coincides with heightened public scrutiny of the administration’s handling of both the war effort and internal reforms, as a factor that could amplify criticism. While the government maintains that the reshuffle is intended to enhance operational efficiency, the ongoing protests and the commentary from political observers indicate that the decision has introduced new challenges for Zelensky’s leadership as Ukraine navigates a pivotal period.