Protests Break Out in Kyiv After Zelenskyy Dismisses Defense Minister

Was his position untenable or the result of trying to root out corruption in the military?

1 day ago·Updated 21 hours ago

Protests Break Out in Kyiv After Zelenskyy Dismisses Defense Minister

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Above: Mykhailo Fedorov (C) seen alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on May 11, 2026. Image credit: Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Aside from clashing with the commander-in-chief, which cannot happen in a time of war, Fedorov was brought in to make improvements to the military mobilization system, but had failed to demonstrate meaningful progress in this regard.

Ukrainska Pravda Politico

Establishment-critical narrative

Fedorov's dismissal is baffling. He was making numerous reforms that were having tangible results on the battlefield, including tackling the deep-rooted corruption in the military. This is likely the real reason he was let go from his position.

Kyiv Independent Kyiv Post