More on the same topic President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a growing domestic backlash after dismissing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has triggered calls for mass protests and alarmed soldiers, military advisers and anti-corruption campaigners. Critics warn the decision could slow Ukraine's military modernisation at a critical stage of the war with Russia. Reformer's Exit Sends Shockwaves Fedorov had earned a reputation as one of Ukraine's leading reformers, overseeing technological innovation and procurement changes aimed at reducing costs and tackling corruption. Aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi said his audits cut procurement prices by up to 20%, but suggested those reforms also created powerful political opponents. Several senior military advisers resigned in protest after the announcement. Drone warfare adviser Serhii Sternenko described Fedorov as Ukraine's best defence minister, while adviser Serhii Beskrestnov warned that key modernisation programmes could now stall. Frontline Fears Over Military Direction The dismissal has unsettled troops who fear another leadership change will disrupt decision-making during wartime. Pavlo Kazarin, a sergeant in Ukraine's 104th Territorial Defence Brigade, described the shake-up as "utterly baffling", arguing that repeated personnel changes reward caution instead of battlefield innovation. Speculation has also intensified over who will replace Fedorov. Reports that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko could take the role have prompted concern among some officers, who question whether a former police chief should lead the country's defence establishment. Political Motives Under Scrutiny The timing of the dismissal has fuelled accusations that the reshuffle was driven by politics rather than military necessity. Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, claimed the wider government changes were designed primarily to remove Fedorov. The controversy has been compounded by reports of deteriorating relations between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, with critics arguing Zelensky chose to back the military leadership over a minister widely viewed as a moderniser. Calls for Protest Grow War veterans and civil society figures are now urging supporters to demonstrate in central Kyiv. Veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi has called for a public rally, while drone initiative co-founder Maria Berlinska described the dismissal as one of Zelensky's most damaging wartime decisions. Others have urged restraint, warning that while public accountability is vital, prolonged political instability could weaken Ukraine internally at a time when Russia continues to press its military campaign. 'Utterly baffling': Ukrainians call for mass protests after Zelensky fires 'drone expert' defense minister
