Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Oleksandr Chmara to take command of the armed forces, a significant leadership change that coincides with widespread public unrest.
The appointment follows the controversial dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has triggered immediate and large-scale protests across several Ukrainian cities.
The demonstrations, which began on Thursday morning, reflect deep public backlash against the sudden removal of Fedorov.
Protesters have taken to the streets in multiple locations, signaling a fracture in domestic support for the current administration's handling of the war effort and military command structure.
The unrest adds a layer of political instability to an already complex wartime environment.
Chmara's appointment marks a shift in military leadership at a critical juncture in the conflict.