V Ukrajini protesti zaradi razrešitve ministra Fedorova zasenčili potrditev novega premierja

Protests Erupt in Ukraine as Parliament Confirms New Prime Minister Amid Cabinet Reshuffle

A New Premier During Wartime

Koretsky becomes the third prime minister to serve since the Russian military invasion began in 2022, succeeding Yuliya Svyrydenko. Svyrydenko resigned earlier in the week, leading to the dissolution of the entire cabinet. A former business executive with experience in the energy sector, including a leadership role at Ukrnafta, Koretsky’s career has frequently intersected with the complex management of large business systems and historical issues regarding the influence of oligarchs. During his address to parliament, Koretsky outlined his primary objectives: ensuring national defense, maintaining economic stability, and advancing Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

Public Outcry Over Minister Fedorov

While parliament proceeded with the cabinet confirmation, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Kyiv and other cities to protest the removal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. Participants in the capital, rallying outside the presidential office, carried signs with slogans such as “Why?” and “The Russians are celebrating,” while chanting “Shame!” Fedorov, 35, had served as defense minister since January 2026. He was the final remaining minister from the original cabinet formed after Zelenskyy’s 2019 election. His supporters credit him with significant modernization efforts, specifically in military technology, public procurement, and the development of drone systems. His work with drone warfare was widely cited as a contributing factor to battlefield shifts this year.

Strains Within the Military Command

President Zelenskyy did not provide a specific reason for Fedorov’s dismissal, stating only that he expects “greater unity” between the Ministry of Defense and the military leadership. Fedorov, however, revealed to reporters that he had been in a dispute with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, alleging that the commander hindered the ministry’s initiatives. Following his departure, Fedorov confirmed he had rejected an offer from the president to serve as a presidential advisor. The tension surrounding his exit has had ripple effects within the defense sector; notably, Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force and a key figure in drone operations, announced his own resignation in response.

Challenges and Unresolved Reforms

Despite his popularity, Fedorov’s tenure was marked by both successes and persistent challenges. While he was praised for strengthening military communications—notably his early-war appeal to Elon Musk to provide Starlink satellite services—he faced significant criticism regarding the mobilization system. Though Fedorov promised a more transparent and fair mobilization process, including contract renewals and higher wages for infantry, many soldiers expressed frustration that the proposed reforms favored new recruits over those serving since the beginning of the invasion. Additionally, the government continues to grapple with the reality that volunteers who joined early in the war face limited options for discharge, except in cases of severe injury. As the new government takes office, the protests serve as a reminder of the public’s sensitivity to leadership changes. These demonstrations have been compared to mass protests from last July, when public pressure forced the president to withdraw a contentious proposal regarding the independence of anti-corruption institutions.

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