Story perspectives

Zelensky Fires Fedorov, Appoints Khmara Amid Protests

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and named Major General Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister.
Thousands gathered in Kyiv’s square and other cities, waving Ukrainian and EU flags and chanting for Fedorov’s return.
Deputy Air Force Commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned, calling the removal a “great evil” for Ukraine’s defence capability.
Zelenskyy said he will ask parliament, recess, to confirm Khmara, noting a defence minister must be a civilian.

History

Historical Context

After Ukraine proclaimed independence on 24 August 1991, President Leonid Kravchuk created a Ministry of Defence and transferred roughly 780,000 Soviet troops on Ukrainian soil to national control, appointing Soviet Major General Kostyantyn Morozov as the first defence minister. Today, the parliament’s removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the promotion of Major General Yevhenii Khmara revive the long-standing tension between civilian oversight and military command.

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Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and named Major General Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister.
Thousands gathered in Kyiv’s square and other cities, waving Ukrainian and EU flags and chanting for Fedorov’s return.
Deputy Air Force Commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned, calling the removal a “great evil” for Ukraine’s defence capability.
Zelenskyy said he will ask parliament, recess, to confirm Khmara, noting a defence minister must be a civilian.

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