KYIV, July 24 - Hundreds of demonstrators returned to the office of the president in Kyiv on Friday to press for the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister dismissed in a recent government reshuffle that has since evolved into a broader political standoff.
The protests, which organisers have framed as open-ended, follow a larger demonstration last week when thousands of people demanded both Fedorov's return and the removal of then commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Critics at that time accused Syrskyi of neglecting servicemen's safety and impeding efforts to modernise the armed forces.
Despite President Volodymyr Zelenskiy replacing Syrskyi with commander Mykhailo Drapatyi, demonstrators have continued to mobilise. Outside the presidential office on Friday the crowd chanted, "We stood, we stand, and we will stand," a slogan underscoring their intention to keep up the pressure until their demands are met.
Protest organiser Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a military veteran, told observers the movement was prepared to persist "as long as it takes." He and other supporters say their demands are rooted in a desire to protect reforms and the safety of frontline personnel.
Zelenskiy has said Fedorov's removal stemmed from an irreparable conflict with Syrskyi and offered the former defence minister several alternative positions, including the role of vice prime minister for defence innovation. Fedorov, who is 35 years old and widely credited by supporters with cleaning up elements of the defence ministry, publicly rejected the options.
According to the protesters and Fedorov's backers, the roles presented by the president lack the authority required to continue the reforms they argue are necessary. "We don’t need Fedorov just as a figurehead. We need Fedorov as a young reformer. And unfortunately, the posts offered by the president do not carry sufficient influence or provide the necessary tools to press on with reform," said Koziatynskyi, reflecting the view among demonstrators that the alternative posts would be symbolic rather than substantive.
Cardboard placards - a handmade emblem of the demonstrations - were visible among the crowd with messages such as "Bring Fedorov back", "I am here for those who are for me there" in reference to service members on the frontline, and "Fedorov for defence minister". One sign in English read: "Let the manager manage." Organisers said the signs symbolised both frustration with the political decision and support for the reform agenda Fedorov had pursued.
Supporters praise Fedorov for introducing technology-led reforms aimed at modernising the military and tackling corruption within the defence sector. Protesters also linked his tenure to Ukraine's recent battlefield successes. His dismissal comes as Kyiv's forces continue to seek advantages on the battlefield and conduct strikes on military and energy targets deep inside Russian territory, even while Ukrainian territory remains vulnerable to Russian air attacks and assaults along the frontlines.
One demonstrator, Anna, said of Fedorov's removal: "They've stolen hope from people, they've stolen results." Her comment reflected a sentiment among some protest participants that the decision undermines momentum on defence reform and morale.
In the absence of a submitted parliamentary candidacy to replace Fedorov - who led the ministry for roughly half a year - the government named Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine's domestic security service, as acting defence minister. While some protesters said the country cannot afford lengthy delays in assembling an effective team and continuing reforms, Anna described Khmara as an effective official even as she insisted reforms required continuity and empowered leadership.
As the political standoff continues, demonstrators in Kyiv appear prepared to maintain their presence, framing the dispute as not only a personnel matter but also a test of whether reforms introduced at the defence ministry will be allowed to proceed with sufficient authority and momentum.