Protests against Fedorov's dismissal continue across Ukraine for a second day

About 200 people gathered in Kyiv's Ivan Franko Square, organizers said. Protesters also called for the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and demanded that lawmakers return to work.

In Lutsk, about 50 people gathered in Teatralna Square. Their main demands included the swift appointment of a defense minister, preserving the course of military reform and innovation, and greater accountability for Syrskyi.

In Mykolaiv, demonstrators rallied outside City Hall. Anastasiia, an IT specialist and the wife of a service member, said she viewed Fedorov as a modern manager.

"I watched his speech yesterday, and when I hear someone talking about dashboards, data and analytics — about making decisions based on concrete evidence rather than abstract concepts — it inspires me much more than two people meeting behind closed doors to discuss something," she said.

According to Ukrinform, protesters carried signs reading "Bring Back Fedorov," "The Time for Systemic Change Is Now," "Recruitment Centers or Assaults?" and "Free the Prisoners, Not Fedorov."

After the rally, demonstrators marched along Soborna Street chanting slogans in support of Fedorov. One protester said replacing the leadership of the Defense Ministry during wartime was a risky move that could weaken Ukraine's position. Another said Fedorov had made a significant contribution to strengthening the country's defense capabilities, particularly through drone technology projects, and called his dismissal "a major loss for the state."

Rallies in support of Fedorov were held in multiple Ukrainian cities on July 16.

Dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov

On July 15, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had not yet decided whether Mykhailo Fedorov would remain defense minister in the new Cabinet after Yuliia Svyrydenko stepped down as prime minister.

Later, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Zelenskyy would nominate Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to replace Fedorov as defense minister.

The Economist reported that Fedorov faced strong resistance from Ukraine's military leadership over his reforms despite his success in advancing drone technologies and the military's digital transformation.

On July 16, Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources, reported that Zelenskyy had decided to dismiss Fedorov because of his conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Fedorov later confirmed the dispute, saying Syrskyi had blocked all of his initiatives and was unwilling to discuss problems, instead being "ready to engage in intrigue."

Later on July 16, Zelenskyy said Yevhen Khmara would serve as acting defense minister. The president noted that Khmara previously headed the Security Service of Ukraine's Alpha Special Operations Center, which, according to Zelenskyy, has achieved some of the highest success rates in eliminating Russian forces.

"He knows exactly what Ukraine needs and can also oversee the internal situation within the Defense Forces. He has sufficient security experience to prevent the kinds of things that bring shame," Zelenskyy said.