KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on Wednesday as part of a sweeping government reshuffle, a move that sparked rare wartime protests and overshadowed a high-profile visit to Kyiv by outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the following day.
Fedorov confirmed his departure in a public statement, saying it had been "a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people" and thanking members of the armed forces and his ministry for their work during his six-month tenure. He highlighted efforts to modernize Ukraine's military, expand drone capabilities and reform defence procurement, but did not provide a reason for his dismissal.
Zelenskyy has presented the broader cabinet reshuffle as a renewal of the government during the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion, arguing that new leadership is needed to address wartime challenges and prepare the country for the coming winter. Parliament also approved energy executive Sergii Koretskyi as Ukraine's new prime minister.
The president nominated Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to replace Fedorov at the Defence Ministry, according to parliamentary procedures outlined by Ukrainian officials.
The dismissal prompted demonstrations in Kyiv and several other cities, with hundreds of people gathering to criticize the decision. The protests were among the most significant public expressions of dissent seen in Ukraine since wartime restrictions on large political gatherings took effect. Protesters praised Fedorov for pursuing military modernization and anti-corruption reforms while calling on the government to reconsider the move.
The reshuffle also coincided with Starmer's visit to Kyiv, where the British leader was expected to reaffirm the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine. The political changes became a dominant topic during the visit, drawing attention away from the planned discussions on military and economic assistance.
Officials have not publicly explained the specific reasons for Fedorov's removal. Media reports have cited possible disagreements between the defence minister and senior military commanders over reforms and wartime policy, but those accounts have not been independently confirmed.
As of Thursday, the government reshuffle was continuing, with Ukraine's parliament completing appointments to key cabinet posts while Zelenskyy's administration defended the changes as necessary to strengthen the country's wartime leadership.
