KYIV — Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities on Tuesday as protests over recent military leadership changes entered a new phase, increasing pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while the country continues to fight Russia's full-scale invasion.
The demonstrations, among the largest public protests in Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, were triggered by the dismissal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a reform-minded official widely credited with advancing military technology and drone development, and by growing demands for the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Organizers said the rallies would continue unless their demands were addressed, while officials urged calm and stressed that military leadership decisions would be made in the country's national security interests.
President Zelenskyy met senior military commanders on Monday, including several younger battlefield commanders viewed as potential candidates for expanded leadership roles. His office said the meetings focused on strengthening Ukraine's armed forces and maintaining operational effectiveness during the war. Reuters reported that Zelenskyy was consulting military leaders as public pressure mounted over the leadership dispute.
The controversy began after Zelenskyy's government removed Fedorov during a broader cabinet reshuffle. The president previously defended the decision, saying differences between the Defence Ministry and military leadership had become unsustainable and that closer coordination was necessary during wartime.
Protest organizers, including military veterans, have argued that Fedorov's removal risks slowing defence reforms and innovation while calling for broader changes in military leadership. Some demonstrators have also criticized Syrskyi's battlefield strategy, although the commander has denied any personal conflict and the military has not confirmed reports that he could be replaced.
Public opinion surveys cited by Reuters indicated a majority of Ukrainians opposed Fedorov's dismissal, underscoring the political sensitivity of the issue even as martial law remains in force and elections are suspended because of the war.
Ukraine's Western partners have not publicly commented on possible personnel decisions but have continued to emphasize the importance of stable civilian and military leadership as they provide military and financial support to Kyiv.
As of Tuesday, the government had announced no further changes to Ukraine's military command. Protest organizers said additional demonstrations were planned, while Zelenskyy's administration continued consultations on the country's defence leadership.
