Zelenskyy faces protests after ousting Ukraine’s defense minister despite military gains

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as the nation's defense minister, a move announced on July 15, 2026, as part of a broader government reshuffle. Fedorov, who served for six months, was widely credited with modernizing the defense ministry, enhancing drone development, and implementing anti-corruption measures that contributed to recent battlefield successes against Russia. His departure comes despite his popularity and tangible achievements in transforming the military's technological capabilities.

The decision follows reported tensions between Fedorov's innovative management style and the traditional military establishment, including Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, over military reform and procurement strategies. While President Zelenskyy did not explicitly detail the reasons for the dismissal, he underscored the need for "new approaches" and a more unified front within the defense sector. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is expected to succeed Fedorov.