Ukraine's Fired Defence Minister Declines Advisory Post as Crowds Rally for Him

Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Fedorov on July 15, 2026, seven months into his tenure. Fedorov rejected Zelenskyy's offer to stay on as an adviser. Protesters rallied across Ukraine; one told Al Jazeera she wanted Fedorov as president. Analyst Tyshkevich said most Ukrainians thanked Fedorov, while General Syrskii remained "utterly unpopular."