(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Hundreds of Ukrainians have rallied in Kyiv demanding the reinstatement of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, one month after his dismissal. Supporters credit him with modernising Ukraine’s military and improving its ability to strike Russian infrastructure.
Demonstrators gathered on Sunday shouting a single name as they voiced their support for the sacked minister. His removal continues to draw public anger.
“I want to be heard. That’s why I am here just like everyone else so that the president, the presidential office, and the decision makers hear what the people want to say,” one protester said.
Another demonstrator added: “We want the lawmakers to return from vacation sooner and make a decision to reinstate Fedorov as defence minister.”
It has been a month since Fedorov was ousted over what he later claimed were his efforts to overhaul the military’s procurement system. A technical expert, he was seen by many as an agent for change in the nearly four and a half year war against Russia.
The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s full scale invasion has entered its fourth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Fedorov had been in conflict with top military commander Alexander Syrskyi, who was also subsequently dismissed.
Supporters pointed to Fedorov’s role in turning battlefield momentum in Ukraine’s favour with strikes against Russian infrastructure. His initial dismissal sparked days of protests. A month on, there is still anger over Fedorov’s ouster and the demand for his return to office appears undiminished.
The rally took place as South Korea and the United States began their annual joint military exercise despite a last minute call from President Donald Trump to scale it down. Trump cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raising speculation over renewed talks with Pyongyang.
Be First to Comment