Ukrainian President Zelensky Ousts Defense Minister Amid Protests and Military Resignations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov without providing specific reasons, sparking protests across several Ukrainian cities and public criticism. The decision also prompted the resignation of a senior military commander in protest. Parliament is expected to approve Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as Fedorov's replacement.

Fedorov, 35, was appointed defense minister in January and was praised for his efforts to reduce corruption in the Defense Ministry and for advancing the use of data and technology to enhance battlefield performance. Speculation suggests his dismissal may be linked to tensions with Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi or criticism over the pace of military recruitment reforms.

Before becoming defense minister, Fedorov served as Minister of Digital Transformation and led various technological initiatives since the Russian invasion began, including establishing Ukraine's "IT Army" and the "Drone Army" project. During his tenure as defense minister, he continued to promote drone-based combat capabilities and technology, working to limit Russian use of the Starlink system and supporting strike operations in Crimea.

Following his dismissal, Fedorov released a statement highlighting his achievements and vowed to continue efforts to "defeat the enemy through superiority, speed, innovation, and organizational resilience." Concurrently, Pavlo Yelyzarov, commander of a drone unit and deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, resigned in protest, calling the dismissal "a great harm to the country's defense capability."