Zelenskyy Under Pressure to Reinstate Sacked Defence Minister 2026

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under growing pressure to reinstate his sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as nationwide protests continue to escalate. The Ukrainian president faces a deepening political crisis after campaigners vowed indefinite demonstrations until Fedorov returns to his post. This development follows Zelenskyy's decision to fire Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appoint Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces.

Why Zelenskyy Fired the Defence Minister

The reshuffle of Ukraine's top military command was intended to defuse public anger, but it has instead fueled further unrest. Zelenskyy offered Fedorov the role of deputy prime minister for technological development, but Fedorov reportedly turned it down, insisting on being reinstated as defence minister. He argues that only in that role can he implement his ambitious plan for modernising and reforming Ukraine's army.

The defence minister post is now occupied by acting minister Yevhenii Khmara, a special forces commander appointed by Zelenskyy. This has not satisfied protesters, who demand Fedorov's return. Prominent veteran Dmytro Koziatynsky announced a rally outside Zelenskyy's office in Ivana Franka Square, Kyiv, on Friday evening, signaling that the crisis may extend into a second week.

Public Protests and Political Fallout

Protesters have made their demands clear: they want Fedorov back in the defence ministry. Koziatynsky wrote on social media, “We should not forget about the second demand of the protest – to return Mykhailo Fedorov to the position of minister of defence. We must do everything possible to ensure that the government hears and satisfies all the demands of society.”

A senior army source told the Guardian that Zelenskyy faces a major dilemma. “If he reverses his decision, this would be a big victory for Fedorov. It would be humiliating for the president and reveal him to be weak. But if he doesn’t, the protests will keep going,” they said.

Impact on Ukraine's Military Operations

Amid the political turmoil, Ukraine's unmanned systems forces have continued operations, carrying out long and mid-range strikes on Russian territory, occupied southern Ukraine, and Crimea. The stability of the defence ministry is critical for coordinating these efforts and maintaining momentum in the war.

Key Takeaways

• Zelenskyy is under immense pressure to reinstate Fedorov as defence minister.
• Nationwide protests are ongoing and show no signs of stopping.
• Fedorov rejected a deputy prime minister role, insisting on his former post.
• The political crisis risks undermining Ukraine's military command and war efforts.

Comparison of Key Military Appointments

FAQ