Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise decision to replace popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has triggered protests in Kyiv and other cities, along with anger from civil society and MPs. Crowds, mostly of young people, gathered on Thursday morning carrying signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!", chanting "Shame!" The move exposed a bitter rift at the top of Ukraine's war effort, with Fedorov confirming he had urged Zelensky to replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and General Staff Chief Andrii Hnatov, accusing Syrskyi of blocking reform initiatives and "splitting our country" rather than finding ways to defeat Russia.

By evening, Zelensky had named Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara, acting head of the Security Service, as acting defence minister, praising his experience with "technological combat operations". Fedorov, 35, had held the post only since January but was credited with revitalising the ministry through anti-corruption efforts and data-driven analysis of front-line performance; he declined Zelensky's offer to stay on as an adviser. Syrskyi responded coolly on Telegram, defending his record and wishing Fedorov well, while MPs were due to vote on a potential replacement, interior minister Ihor Klymenko, though Zelensky said no formal nomination had been made. The reshuffle also saw parliament confirm Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister after Yuliia Svyrydenko's resignation.