Full Breakdown
Thousands Rally in Kyiv Demanding Reinstatement of Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
8/1/2026, 8:47:48 PM
Mass March Calls for Fedorov’s Return
On July 31, 2026, several thousand Ukrainians marched through central Kyiv, demanding that President Volodymyr Zelensky reinstate former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Veteran protest leader Dmytro Koziatynskyi urged Zelensky to give Fedorov a year to implement reforms before any final judgment.
Context of the July Dismissal
Fedorov, appointed in January, was removed in a mid-July reshuffle that Zelensky described as stemming from a conflict with then commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov’s own interview on July 29 suggested that his push for greater transparency in defence procurement may have contributed to his dismissal.
Government Position
Zelensky has not indicated an intention to reverse the dismissal. He appointed Yevhenii Khmara, acting head of the state security service, as acting defence minister, while General Mykhailo Drapatyi succeeded Syrskyi as commander-in-chief.
Street Voices
Protesters expressed frustration with opaque decision-making. Oleksandr, a 40-year-old IT professional, said he dislikes decisions made without explanation. Iryna, a 38-year-old businesswoman, pledged to remain on the streets until the government meets the demand, emphasizing that “the people are the power.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's true that many people in our country are involved in the defense industry,” — Mykhailo Fedorov, former defense minister
- “I don't like it when decisions are made, and then no one can explain why they were made,” — Chief Oleksandr, a 40-year-old working in the IT sector
