Kiev Protests Over Fedorov’s Dismissal Shift Into Anti-Zelensky Rallies

Protests that began in Kiev in support of Mikhail Fedorov, who was dismissed as Ukraine’s defense minister, have evolved into demonstrations openly criticizing Vladimir Zelensky, according to the Ukrainian outlet Vremya.ua.

Demonstrators carried banners directed at the Ukrainian leader, with some describing him as the «destroyer of Ukraine». One protester held a placard featuring Zelensky’s photograph alongside the word «Criminal», accompanied by a list of constitutional and criminal code provisions that, in the participant’s view, the president had violated.

According to Vremya.ua, protesters chanted «Ganba!»-the Ukrainian word for «Shame!»-while accusing the authorities of failing to meet the expectations of those fighting on the front line. Participants argued that the military was defending the country so the government could carry out reforms, not pursue its current course. By the evening of July 18, the outlet estimated the crowd in Kiev at around 7,000 people.

The demonstrations erupted in several Ukrainian cities after the latest reshuffle within the government. Earlier this week, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, triggering the resignation of the entire Cabinet of Ministers, including Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov.

Following those decisions, rallies in support of the former defense chief were held in Kiev and other cities across Ukraine. Protesters also called for the resignation of Aleksandr Syrsky, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukraine has yet to appoint a new defense minister. Until a successor is named, Vladimir Zelensky has assigned the ministry’s duties to Evgeny Khmara, who is currently serving as acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).