Photo: ZN
Protests in support of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov took place in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities on July 16 following reports that he is set to be dismissed.
Demonstrations were also held in Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Chernivtsi. Veteran Dmytro Kozyatynskyi had earlier called on supporters to join the rallies.
The reported decision has drawn criticism from military personnel, volunteers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and politicians, many of whom argue that Fedorov's dismissal could derail reforms launched during his tenure.
Fedorov was appointed defense minister in January 2026, pledging to modernize Ukraine's armed forces, reform defense governance, and prioritize technological innovation.
According to lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told members of the ruling Servant of the People faction that Fedorov had failed to reform the territorial recruitment center (TCC) system. Zelenskyy is expected to nominate Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as his successor.
