Zelensky Fires Defence Minister Amid Bid to Remove Army Chief, Sparking Protests

On July 16, 2026, Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Fedorov after Fedorov admitted pushing to remove commander-in-chief Syrskyi. Zelensky kept Syrskyi. Fedorov said his ministry's reforms were being blocked. Protests spread across Ukrainian cities for five days; 61% of Ukrainians opposed Fedorov's dismissal. Demonstrators demanded Syrskyi's ouster and Fedorov's reinstatement.