Thousands of demonstrators, predominantly young Ukrainians, have taken to the streets of Kyiv to protest President Volodymyr Zelensky’s abrupt dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister.
The rallies, which began on Thursday, are concentrated outside the presidential palace and in Franko Square, reflecting deep public frustration with the leadership change.
Fedorov, widely credited as the architect of Ukraine’s drone warfare strategy, was removed from his post on Wednesday in a move that has sparked immediate backlash across the country.
Critics have labeled the decision "bizarre" and described it as the most significant error of Zelensky’s presidency.
The unrest underscores the sensitivity surrounding Ukraine’s military command structure at a critical juncture in the conflict.
Fedorov’s departure raises immediate concerns about the continuity of defense strategies and the potential disruption to ongoing military operations, particularly those reliant on the drone capabilities he helped develop.