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Thousands of Ukrainians gather for a march in downtown Kyiv, as protests enter 3rd week
kyivindependent.com • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands of Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv on July 31 for a "march for dialogue and reforms in defense," demanding the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after his dismissal.
- The protest marked the 16th consecutive day of demonstrations, with organizers vowing to continue despite no indication from President Zelensky that he will reverse the decision.
- Fedorov suggested in a recent interview that his push for transparency in defense procurement may have led to his removal, highlighting tensions within the defense establishment.
- President Zelensky has replaced Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi with General Mykhailo Drapatyi but has not offered to reinstate Fedorov, instead proposing other government roles which Fedorov has declined.
- Zelensky cited conflicts between Fedorov and Syrskyi as the reason for the dismissal, while Fedorov remains committed to serving only as defense minister, having led significant military reforms during his tenure.
