Russian invasion Ukraine’s response

Power struggle behind decision to fire defense minister

Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to replace popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov is based on a conflict between Fedorov and Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky, according to several media outlets.

During a press conference on Thursday, the ousted minister said he had asked Zelensky to replace Syrsky, whom he accuses of opposing his defense reforms.

However, Zelensky reportedly refused and instead got rid of Fedorov.

- The president should not choose sides during a war. But if the parties cannot resolve the conflict, then I will have to, Zelensky said on Thursday evening.

35-year-old Fedorov, with a background as a tech entrepreneur, has become popular among Ukrainians, partly due to successful drone ventures.

Syrskyj, in turn, is described as an old-school military man: educated in Moscow, very experienced but also a more traditional commander, writes Bloomberg.

Fedorov's dismissal has sparked protests across Ukraine.

Kyiv Independent: "Could be the biggest mistake of the war"

Volodymyr Zelenskyj's decision to fire the popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked a wave of protests across Ukraine. Now one of the country's largest news sites, Kyiv Independent, is joining the criticism.

In an editorial, the newspaper calls Zelenskyj's decision one of the most damaging during the war against Russia. The reason is that Fedorov, after only six months in office, has been the main driving force in turning the war in Ukraine's favor.

The newspaper writes that Fedorov understands that a small Ukrainian army can never beat a large Russian one. Therefore, he has invested in the development of drones and refined Ukraine's attacks - which has put pressure on Russia.

“Ukraine wants a secure and lasting peace,” the editorial reads.

“To remove the person who is currently making this possible is a serious mistake.”

Protesters rage after defense minister forced to resign

Protests have broken out in several Ukrainian cities after the country’s defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov was fired after just six months in office. According to Ukrainian Pravda, several hundred people have gathered near the government building in Kyiv.

The protesters hold up signs with messages such as “Take back Fedorov” and “Don’t change something that works.” Slogans such as “Shame!” and “Fedorov is our defense minister” can also be heard, according to the newspaper’s reporter.

Fedorov is the latest minister to be forced to resign in Zelensky’s cabinet reshuffle. The move has drawn criticism from soldiers, veterans and civil society representatives who say Ukraine is losing one of its most effective leaders without any meaningful explanation, writes the Kyiv Independent.

It is unclear whether Fedorov will have any new role in Zelenskyy's government.