Protests were held in Ukrainian cities against Zelensky’s dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov

Protests are taking place in several Ukrainian cities against President Volodymyr Zelensky’s surprise dismissal of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Many people – mostly young people – gathered in Kiev and chanted “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop ruining the victory!” and “Shame!” Singing.

Zelensky has not yet explained the decision, which is causing great dissatisfaction among commentators and the military as well as parts of civil society.

Fedorov, 35, was appointed only in January but is credited with reinvigorating the ministry, managing corruption and using data to improve and analyze front-line performance.

MPs were due to vote on a proposal to replace Defense Minister Ijor Klymenko at the helm of the Interior Ministry on Thursday.

Some in Ukraine linked Fedorov’s ouster to a rift between him and the more conservative commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Sirsky, while others pointed to his failure to move quickly enough to cause a major stir in the military.

“I have many friends in the army. Many of them have died. I don’t want this to continue,” Maria Lavrinets, 31, said at a protest in central Kiev’s Ivan Franko Square. “We see (Fedorov’s) results, we see the motivation of the soldiers, we have to stand up for them.”