Zelenskyy Fires Defence Minister, Sides with Army Chief in Civil-Military Rift

On July 16, 2026, President Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Fedorov, citing poor communication with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi. Zelenskyy said unity was absent and chose the military chief over the civilian defence role. Over 1,000 protesters gathered in Kyiv — only the second major anti-government protest since Russia's 2022 invasion.