President Volodymyr Zelensky reshuffles Ukraine’s wartime government by dismissing defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a change that triggers rare public protests and highlights friction between reform-minded officials and the military establishment. Multiple outlets report demonstrations in several Ukrainian cities, with protesters opposing Fedorov’s removal. Several sources describe Fedorov as closely associated with efforts to modernize Ukraine’s forces and expand technology and drone-related capabilities, while others frame the decision as part of Zelensky’s broader cabinet overhaul.

The disputes that surfaced publicly are also linked to tensions involving senior military leadership, with reporting suggesting disagreements between Fedorov and the army’s top commander. Zelensky presents the leadership change as a move toward unity while seeking to manage the political fallout of the personnel shift.

Outlets also note that Zelensky names Yevhen Khmara as acting defence minister following the dismissal, and that parliament approves a largely new wartime cabinet. Separately, the reshuffle affects the prime ministerial post, with Serhii Koretskyi named as the new prime minister, though the protests focus primarily on the defence portfolio.