Zelenskyy defends Defence Minister sacking amid Ukraine power struggle

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended his decision to dismiss Ukraine's defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, admitting a breakdown in relations between the ministry and the country's military leadership left him with no alternative. The move has triggered one of the biggest domestic political backlashes since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

President Forced to Pick a Side

Speaking alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Kyiv, Zelenskyy acknowledged that tensions between Fedorov and Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, had reached breaking point.

"I would very much like to see unity," Zelenskyy said. "The sides have not found it. And in such a situation, you have a choice: either one side or the other." He added that responsibility for the failed relationship also rested with him.

Public Anger Boils Over

The decision has provoked fierce criticism from civil society groups and unsettled some of Ukraine's international partners, who viewed Fedorov as a key reformer driving the modernisation of the defence ministry.

More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside the presidential office in Kyiv, carrying signs demanding answers over the dismissal. Protesters chanted "Syrskyi out" as they voiced frustration at the president's decision to back the military leadership.

Rare Wartime Protest Raises Stakes

The demonstration marked only the second major anti-government protest since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago. The last significant public backlash came after Zelenskyy attempted to close two anti-corruption agencies, a decision he later reversed.

The latest unrest underscores the political risks facing Ukraine's leadership as it tries to balance military effectiveness with demands for transparency and reform during wartime.

Fedorov Hits Back at Military Leadership

Hours after his dismissal, Fedorov accused Ukraine's top brass of blocking reforms and relying on outdated Soviet-style practices. He claimed decisions on allocating support to frontline brigades, including drone resources, were based on personal loyalty rather than operational data.

The public dispute has exposed deep divisions at the heart of Ukraine's wartime leadership, raising fresh questions over how Kyiv will maintain unity as the conflict with Russia continues.

Zelenskyy defends sacking Ukraine’s defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov | Ukraine | The Guardian