Thousands in Ukraine Protest Firing of Defense Minister

Thousands protested across Ukraine on July 16–17, 2026, demanding the return of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, fired after just six months. Crowds chanted "Syrskyi away" and "Bring Fedorov back" outside Zelenskyy's Kyiv office. Reuters called the multi-city rallies a rare display of wartime public disagreement with Ukraine's leaders.