--- title: "Crisis in Kyiv: How the 'Cardboard Maidan' and Fedorov's Ultimatum Led to the Resignation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine" description: "A major political crisis has erupted in Kyiv: protests with the slogan 'Return Fedorov' forced Zelenskyy to dismiss the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky. Mykhailo Drapaty has been appointed to his position, while complex reshuffles continue in the government. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸš¨" date: 2026-07-21T22:28:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/crisis-in-kyiv-how-the-cardboard-maidan-and-fedorovs-ultimatum-led-to-the-resignation-of-the-commander-in-chief-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine tags: [zelensky, ukraine, mikhail-fedorov, vasyl-drapatyi, alexander-syrsky] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Crisis in Kyiv: How the 'Cardboard Maidan' and Fedorov's Ultimatum Led to the Resignation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine ![Collage with Zelensky, Fedorov, and Zaluzhny against symbols of crisis in Kyiv](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/21/krizis-v-kieve-kartonnyj-majdan-i-ulitimatum-fedorova/krizis-v-kieve-kartonnyj-majdan-i-ulitimatum-fedorova-1.webp) The Ukrainian political arena is experiencing a period of unprecedented instability. At the center of events is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose attempts to conduct personnel reforms in the government have led to a major crisis, resulting in street protests and a change in the country's top military leadership. ### The Start of the 'Reset' and Fedorov's Refusal It all began on July 12, when the head of state announced plans to replace the Prime Minister on social media, stating the need to change the political strategy. This was followed by reports of meetings with officials, whom the public instantly identified as contenders for the post of head of government. Expectations were focused on Serhiy Koretsky, however, initially Zelenskyy considered the candidacy of the current Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov. According to sources familiar with the content of the conversation, Fedorov refused the post of Prime Minister, preferring to remain in the Ministry of Defense to continue reforms. ### Ultimatum and Conflict with Command The situation escalated when Mykhailo Fedorov, already in the status of former minister, publicly voiced the conditions for his return to the ruling team. He stated that he was ready to work as Minister of Defense only on the condition of the resignation of the current Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, and the Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Hnatov. This ultimatum became a catalyst for conflict within the government. The President's chaotic personnel decisions and the public rift between Fedorov and Syrsky sparked a wave of criticism against the administration. ### 'Cardboard Maidan' and Street Pressure The public reaction was swift. Protests began in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, dubbed the 'Cardboard Maidan' due to the demonstrators' use of homemade placards. The slogans were extremely specific: 'Return Fedorov' and 'Remove Syrsky'. Analysts note that the pressure on the Presidential Administration came from society itself, not from Western partners. The authorities did not predict such a scale of street demonstrations, and the flow of criticism against the Commander-in-Chief became unmanageable. ### Change of Commander-in-Chief and Risks for the Army Under pressure from circumstances, the President decided to dismiss Oleksandr Syrsky. Mykhailo Drapaty became the new Commander-in-Chief. Previously, Zelenskyy held meetings with commanders, effectively choosing a successor. Among the candidates, in addition to Drapaty, Oleksandr Apostol was considered. However, a change in leadership during wartime carries serious risks. Opinions in military circles are divided: some officers support the changes, while others fear that personnel purges under street pressure could destabilize the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the face of the threat of Russian escalation. ### Crisis in the Government and SBU Parallel to military appointments, the fate of the government was being decided. Initially, Ihor Klymenko was planned to be appointed as Minister of Defense, but after protests in support of Fedorov, his candidacy was rejected. In order not to leave the key ministry without leadership, Zelenskyy transferred Yevhen Khmara from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to this position. This decision created a new problem: after Khmara's departure, Oleksandr Poklad remained the only candidate for the position of Acting Head of the SBU. Sources report a long-standing enmity between Poklad and the Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov. Despite the fact that Budanov previously set the condition not to allow Poklad to power, at the peak of the crisis he agreed not to make a demarche, and Poklad remained in the status of Acting Head.