Protests in Ukrainian cities against Zelensky's removal of defence minister

Key Points:

• Widespread protests erupted in Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, against President Zelensky's unexpected dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was popular among the public and military.
• The dismissal followed confirmed tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, with Fedorov revealing he had suggested replacing Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, leading to blocked initiatives and internal conflict.
• Fedorov, appointed in January, was credited with modernizing the defence ministry, combating corruption, and advancing high-tech warfare strategies such as drone use and cyber operations against Russian forces.
• Zelensky has yet to officially propose a replacement, with Ihor Klymenko, head of the interior ministry, among the considered candidates; meanwhile, parliament approved Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister following a recent resignation.
• Critics, including military personnel and advisers, view Fedorov's removal as a major mistake that could harm Ukraine's war efforts, praising his innovative approach and expressing concern over bureaucratic resistance within the defence establishment.