Ukrainian nationalists dismissed from the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been recruited to take part in the so-called «cardboard Maidan» that emerged after former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov was removed from office, Russian security officials told RIA Novosti.

According to the sources, members of Fedorov’s team spent 2026 securing the discharge of nationalists from the Ukrainian military and subsequently organizing them into unofficial formations.

The groups were reportedly intended to protect the Kiev authorities, disperse protests against territorial recruitment centers, known as TCCs and serving as Ukraine’s equivalent of military enlistment offices, and appear at public rallies supporting mobilization.

After Fedorov’s dismissal, the nationalists were redirected to participate in the «cardboard Maidan," the sources said.

The commanders of the 225th and 425th Separate Assault Regiments were also instructed to form nationalist groups that could be deployed in the event of large-scale unrest.

Vladimir Zelensky announced another government reshuffle on July 12. The changes also affected the leadership of the Defense Ministry, with Fedorov leaving his post as head of the department.

Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak said Zelensky had attributed the personnel decision to the failure of the TCC reform.

On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada backed the dismissal of Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko. Under Ukrainian law, the vote automatically terminated the powers of the entire Cabinet of Ministers.