PROTESTS FOR FEDOROV CONTINUE AS UKRAINE AWAITS A PERMANENT DEFENSE MINISTER
Ukrainians have again taken to the streets demanding the return of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Protest marches were held in Dnipro, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Cherkasy and other cities, continuing a movement that began after Fedorov was removed during July’s government reshuffle.
The demonstrations have continued even after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi—one of the protesters’ original demands. Many participants still want Fedorov reinstated, arguing that his modernization of Ukraine’s drone forces, military procurement and technological development produced visible battlefield results.
Ukraine currently operates under acting Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara, but it still lacks a permanent minister confirmed by parliament. The Verkhovna Rada entered its summer recess without completing the appointment, leaving one of the country’s most important wartime positions under interim leadership.
Parliament’s next scheduled plenary session begins on August 18. President Zelenskyy must submit a nominee, and lawmakers must approve that person before the position can be permanently filled.
Ukraine is fighting the largest war in Europe while approaching another difficult winter. Protesters are making their message clear: the country’s defense leadership cannot remain unsettled, and decisions affecting the military must be transparent, competent and accountable to the people Ukrainians are being asked to defend.