Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Kyiv and Lviv on Thursday to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, demanding his reinstatement.
The rallies, which saw participants chanting slogans such as "Fedorov – Minister of Defense" and singing the national anthem, reflect immediate and widespread public opposition to the leadership change.
Protesters gathered outside the Ivan Franko National Theatre in the capital, highlighting the intensity of the backlash against President Zelenskyy's decision.
The demonstrations underscore the political sensitivity surrounding Ukraine's defense apparatus.
Supporters of the former minister cited his reforms in military technology, procurement, and drone operations as key reasons for their support.
The swift mobilization of crowds in multiple cities suggests that the dismissal has struck a nerve among the public and potentially within the military establishment, raising questions about the stability of the current administration's command structure.
This development adds a new layer of complexity to Ukraine's internal dynamics at a critical stage of the conflict.