Zelensky's dismissal of defence minister Fedorov sparks political crisis in Ukraine

Rare public protests broke out in Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has plunged the government into a political crisis in the midst of ongoing war with Russia. Fedorov had been widely seen as a reform-minded figure within the defence ministry.

The dismissal followed a dispute between Fedorov and Ukraine's top general that had spilled into public view in recent weeks, exposing tensions between civilian reformers and the military leadership over the direction of the war effort. Fedorov's removal is Zelensky's second overhaul of his wartime cabinet within a year.

The protests reflect growing public unease over the stability of Ukraine's wartime leadership at a critical moment in the conflict. Analysts say the reshuffle risks further destabilizing the government's relationship with both the military and international backers, who have repeatedly pressed Kyiv to maintain unity as the war with Russia continues. It remains unclear who will be named as Fedorov's successor.