Protesters in Kyiv are calling for the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence and the removal of Vitalii Kim as Minister of Veterans.
Key facts
- •Protests have been ongoing in Kyiv since 16 July.
- •Demonstrators are calling for the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence.
- •Protesters are demanding the removal of Vitalii Kim from his position as Minister of Veterans.
- •President Zelenskyy dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi to the role.
- •Dmytro Koziatynskyi has called for further protests on 24 July.
Protests in Kyiv entered their eighth day on 23 July as demonstrators gathered to demand the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence. Participants also called for the replacement of the newly appointed Minister of Veterans, Vitalii Kim, with an ex-serviceman.
Demands and protests in Kyiv
Several hundred people gathered in the capital to voice their demands, chanting slogans such as "Power belongs to the people" and "An ex-serviceman, not Kim." The demonstrations, which began on 16 July, have also taken place in other Ukrainian cities near the President's Office.
Leadership changes and government response
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously cited ineffective cooperation between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as well as unresolved issues regarding mobilization and battlefield performance. Following six days of protests, Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Syrskyi, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor. Syrskyi apologized to Fedorov on 20 July, stating he had been unaware of the conflict between them.
Timeline
- 16 JulyProtests in support of Mykhailo Fedorov began in Kyiv and other cities.
- 18 JulyPresident Zelenskyy stated he held talks with Fedorov and Syrskyi regarding army decisions.
- 20 JulyOleksandr Syrskyi apologized to Fedorov regarding their conflict.
- 23 JulyProtests in Kyiv continued for the eighth day.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Ukrainska Pravda (English).
