Kyiv Protests Call for Mykhailo Fedorov’s Return as Defense Minister

Large-scale demonstrations have taken place in central Kyiv demanding that former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated. Protesters argue that President Volodymyr Zelensky has not explained the reasons for Fedorov’s dismissal and has failed to engage with public concerns. The rallies have moved through the National Philharmonic, Independence Square (Maidan), and Ivan Franko Square near the Presidential Office.

Thousands March in Kyiv, Protestors Demand Zelensky Listens Kyiv Independent

Fedorov, praised for reforms and the expansion of Ukraine’s drone capabilities, was removed in a chaotic reshuffle in mid-July. Fedorov has rejected those options, insisting on returning only as defense minister.

Kyiv Independent

• Mid-July 2026 – President Zelensky dismisses Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a government reshuffle.

Kyiv Independent

• July 21 – Zelensky publicly states that he has offered Fedorov a prominent governmental role in the technology sector.

Kyiv Independent

• Early August 2026 – Protesters organize additional marches, including a rally that attracted a couple of thousand participants and another that drew several hundred.

Thousands March in Kyiv, Protestors Demand Zelensky Listens

• Mid-August 2026 – The Ukrainian parliament reconvenes after its summer recess, with a vote on a new defense minister expected shortly thereafter.

Kyiv Independent

Estimates of attendance vary. One report described “several thousand” participants in a Sunday march, while another noted “a couple of thousand” demonstrators assembling at the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People. Smaller gatherings of “hundreds” have continued daily in the square surrounding the Presidential Office.

Thousands March in Kyiv, Protestors Demand Zelensky Listens

President Zelensky has not issued a direct statement addressing the protesters’ demand for Fedorov’s reinstatement. The presidential office did receive a petition from protest organizers calling for reforms in the defense sector and holding the president personally responsible for “questionable personnel decisions.” The office has not publicly responded to the petition.

Kyiv Independent

Protest organizers have criticized the appointment of Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, describing him as a “devil” and questioning his lack of relevant experience. They have also denounced the selection of Vitaliy Kim as veterans-affairs minister, citing his limited background in veterans policy. Additionally, the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi—once a key protest demand—was noted as a partial concession, though demonstrators say the core issue remains unresolved.

Kyiv Independent

• “The president has maximally disappointed me with his silence, especially considering that the lack of communication has effectively become the trigger for these protests,” — Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and one of the protest's organizers

Kyiv Independent

Sources differ on the size of the August marches: one account cites “several thousand” participants, while another reports “a couple of thousand.” No official crowd-count data have been released, leaving the exact turnout uncertain.

Thousands March in Kyiv, Protestors Demand Zelensky Listens

With parliament set to resume in mid-August, observers expect a vote on the nomination of acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. Protesters plan to monitor the outcome closely and have called for continued demonstrations if Fedorov is not reinstated. The president’s next public communication on the defense ministry’s leadership remains pending.

Kyiv Independent