Ukrainians Criticize Zelensky’s Dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov, Call for Protest

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s removal of Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine’s defense minister has sparked widespread outrage among soldiers, veterans, and civil society. Critics describe the decision as “utterly baffling” and are organizing protests to oppose what they see as a damaging political move during a critical phase of the war.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and anti-corruption activist, called for demonstrations after Ukraine’s daily minute of silence, framing Fedorov’s ouster as part of a troubling trend of replacing effective officials with compliant figures, which he believes will stall reforms and weaken Ukraine’s war effort. Koziatynskyi emphasized the loss of an official actively advancing change amid the conflict.

Another critic, Sergeant Pavlo Kazarin of the 104th Territorial Defense Brigade, noted that Fedorov was the country’s third defense minister in just one year, and argued the changes have repeatedly paused ministry work for weeks. Kazarin praised Fedorov’s tenure as effective and warned the dismissal signals a rejection of reform and a return to stagnation and corruption in military leadership.

Known from the source

• President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister.
• The dismissal has drawn criticism from soldiers, veterans, and civil society figures in Ukraine.
• Fedorov was credited with wartime reforms including cutting access to Russian forces’ Starlink use and digital platforms Reserve+ and Army+.
• Fedorov was the third person to hold the defense minister post in the past year.
• Protests against the dismissal have been called for Ivan Franka Square following the daily minute of silence.

What remains unclear

Prominent activist Serhii Sternenko, who advised Fedorov on drone policy, announced he was stepping down from his role in protest, calling Fedorov the best defense minister in Ukraine’s history and highlighting his achievements in integrating drone control and upgrading military units. Other military insiders acknowledged some missteps during Fedorov’s tenure but agreed he was the only official seriously attempting reforms in the ministry.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Official confirmation of the reasons for Fedorov's dismissal. Verification of Ihor Klymenko's nomination or appointment as defense minister. Assessment of internal ministry rifts, particularly between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.