Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned to Kyiv on Wednesday to face another political crisis, with daily protests continuing after the dismissal of popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The unrest comes despite a series of diplomatic successes, including a meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham — who said “We’ve got your back” — and a “positive and productive” meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
Fedorov’s reforms and dismissal
Fedorov, 35, a former digital transformation minister, was seen as a reformer who cleaned up a defence ministry plagued by Soviet-era practices and alleged corruption. He modernised contracts, increased transparency in procurement, and improved battlefield technology — including persuading Elon Musk to switch off Starlink for Russian troops. His approach contrasted with that of army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, seen as an old-school micromanager.
Despite Fedorov’s effectiveness, Zelenskyy removed him in a government reshuffle earlier this month while keeping Syrskyi in post. Polling showed 72% of Ukrainians opposed the dismissal. Under public pressure, Zelenskyy later sacked Syrskyi and offered Fedorov alternative senior posts, but Fedorov turned them down, stating: “Only three positions in the state … determine the course of the war: president, defence minister and commander-in-chief.” A standoff now exists between Zelenskyy, Fedorov, and civil society.
Protests and shifting demands
Protests began with chants of “Syrskyi out, Fedorov back.” After Syrskyi’s dismissal, the mood shifted to “reforms not scams” and “the people are the power.” The demonstrations reflect a deeper struggle for Ukraine’s soul between a younger, western-oriented generation and an older guard linked to Soviet-era corruption. Zelenskyy’s earlier attempt to strip anti-corruption bodies of independence — later reversed — added to distrust.
War and political outlook
Martial law bans elections, but Zelenskyy has been in power since 2019. Fedorov’s trust rating now overtakes Zelenskyy’s. On the battlefield, Ukraine has regained the initiative with drone warfare, though Russia still advances at a cost of 30,000 casualties per month. A path to victory is more convincing than at any time since 2022, but the domestic political crisis threatens unity.
“It’s a struggle for Ukraine’s soul,” said Luke Harding, the Guardian’s senior international correspondent. “Between a younger western, progressive and inclusive generation who want Ukraine to be in the European mould, and the Soviet-inflected, insider-oriented older guard who operate in deals and handshakes and yes, some corruption.”
