Ukraine's Political Crisis Deepens as Protests Demand Reinstatement of Ex-Defence Minister Fedorov
The political crisis in Ukraine has not subsided despite President Volodymyr Zelensky appointing an acting defence minister and a new commander-in-chief. The decision on 15 July not to reappoint Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister during a cabinet reshuffle continues to cause unrest in Kyiv and across the country, even as air raid sirens and Russian drone and missile attacks persist.
Fedorov, a popular figure credited with driving much of Ukraine's recent technological innovation, has drawn daily street protests from mostly young supporters demanding his reinstatement. On Thursday, Fedorov stated he rejected offers of alternative government posts, arguing that only three positions—defence minister, commander-in-chief, or president—could effectively influence the war effort.
'If you don't have a ministry under you, you don't have a budget,' said former deputy defence minister Alina Frolova, 'and you don't actually have the authority to do something.' The situation underscores the ongoing political and military challenges facing Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russian aggression.
