ZELENSKYY RESHUFFLES UKRAINE’S GOVERNMENT AS PROTESTS ERUPT OVER DEFENSE MINISTER’S REMOVAL. (PHOTO )

Zelenskyy reshuffles Ukraine’s government as protests erupt over defense minister’s removal

   

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reshuffled his wartime government, removing a young defense minister credited with advancing the country’s drone capabilities and replacing the prime minister in a move that has sparked protests across Ukraine.

The changes come as Ukraine continues its fight against Russia’s invasion and faces growing pressure on the battlefield. Thousands of protesters gathered in cities across the country to voice opposition to the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was viewed by supporters as a key figure behind Ukraine’s technological advances in modern warfare.

Zelenskyy said the decision was driven by ongoing tensions between Fedorov and Ukraine’s military leadership, including Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of the armed forces. He said disagreements between government and military officials had reached a point where he needed to intervene.

“If the sides cannot resolve an issue, I will have to resolve it,” Zelenskyy said.

Fedorov, 35, served as defense minister for only six months but gained recognition for pushing reforms focused on drones, digital warfare and military modernization. Before taking the defense role, he led Ukraine’s digital transformation efforts and helped create government technology programs.

During his time overseeing defense policy, Fedorov promoted expanded drone production, new weapons programs and changes to military procurement. He argued that modern warfare had changed dramatically because of technology and accused military officials of blocking reforms he believed were necessary.

Fedorov said he wanted to cooperate with the military leadership but claimed that many of his initiatives were blocked from moving forward. He questioned how Ukraine could win the war without major changes to its military structure.

Ukraine’s military leadership has credited technological innovations, including drone operations, with helping slow Russian advances and allow strikes against targets far beyond the front lines. Fedorov’s supporters said his removal came despite those achievements.

Protesters, many of them young Ukrainians, gathered in Kyiv and other cities, chanting against Syrskyi and calling for a more modern military aligned with European standards. Some expressed frustration that a reform-minded official was removed during a critical period of the war.

Zelenskyy said Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko was among the candidates being considered to replace Fedorov as defense minister. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the nomination.

Syrskyi thanked Fedorov for his service and said he hoped he would continue contributing to Ukraine’s efforts, but he did not address the dispute publicly.

The government shake-up also included the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi, the head of Ukraine’s state energy company, as the country’s new prime minister.

Zelenskyy said Koretskyi’s experience in the energy sector would be valuable as Ukraine prepares for another winter of possible Russian attacks on its power infrastructure.

The leadership changes come as Russia continues missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. Overnight strikes on Kyiv killed two people and injured several others, including a child, according to Ukrainian officials.

The reshuffle represents one of the most significant tests of Zelenskyy’s leadership since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Under martial law, elections remain suspended, allowing Zelenskyy to remain in office while the war continues.