Ukrainian lawmakers are preparing to cast votes Thursday on a newly proposed wartime government, even as demonstrators take to the streets in Kyiv to express outrage over the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov at a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
This marks President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s second major cabinet overhaul within a year, and the decision to push out Fedorov — a 35-year-old technology expert who had been working to transform Ukraine’s outgunned military into a leaner, data-driven force — has become a lightning rod for public frustration with Zelenskiy’s wartime leadership.
According to lawmakers, the proposed new cabinet would be led by energy executive Sergii Koretskyi, with current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stepping in to take over the defense portfolio previously held by Fedorov.
Late Wednesday, Fedorov himself confirmed on X that his time in the role was coming to an end. Zelenskiy, however, had yet to publicly address the dismissal as of Thursday.
The situation on the battlefield is complex. Ukraine currently holds what analysts describe as its strongest military position since late 2022, carrying out drone and missile strikes against Russia’s oil infrastructure and supply lines. Yet Ukrainian ground forces continue to face relentless Russian pressure in the east, struggling with troop shortages and insufficient air defenses as Moscow increases its use of ballistic missiles.
The editorial reaction has been sharp. Vitalii Sych, chief editor of Ukrainian outlet NV, offered a blunt assessment: “In difficult moments, Zelensky behaves like a hero. But we should not forget that difficult moments are often caused by his idiotic decisions.”
Adding to the fallout, Pavlo Yelizarov — a deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force and a prominent figure in the country’s drone warfare efforts — announced his resignation Thursday, directly citing Fedorov’s removal. He called the decision “a great evil” for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Outside Zelenskiy’s office in Kyiv, more than a thousand protesters gathered, chanting “Shame!” and holding signs reading “The Russians are celebrating.” The demonstration drew comparisons to protests last July, when a similar wave of public pressure forced Zelenskiy to walk back a controversial move that had threatened the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
Fedorov had previously served as Ukraine’s first digital transformation minister and earned recognition for cutting red tape, advancing drone warfare capabilities, and pushing a data-focused approach to wearing down Russian forces. Supporters argue his efforts to clean up defense procurement made him enemies within the establishment. He has also faced criticism for not moving fast enough on reforming Ukraine’s military recruitment system.
Zelenskiy announced the cabinet shake-up on Sunday, catching many off guard. He framed the changes as necessary “renewal” for both the government and law enforcement. By Wednesday, he was telling reporters he expected the defense ministry and military leadership to operate with greater cohesion — remarks widely interpreted as an acknowledgment that tensions had been building between Fedorov and senior military commanders.
Whether Fedorov will be offered a different position within the government remains unclear.
