Ukrainians Rally for Ousted Defense Minister in Rare Wartime Protest

Thousands protested across Ukraine on July 16–17, 2026, demanding the reinstatement of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, dismissed after just six months. Chanting "Syrskyi away" and "Bring Fedorov back" outside Zelenskyy's Kyiv office, demonstrators staged what Reuters called a rare wartime display of dissent against Ukraine's national leadership.