---
title: "«Fedorov — Minister of Defense»: Protests resume in Kyiv against the dismissal of the Defense Minister"
description: "🔥 Protests resume in Kyiv over Fedorov's dismissal! People are chanting \"Syrskyi — Resign\" and demanding the return of the Defense Minister. Zelenskyy appointed Khmara as acting minister, but protests are not subsiding. #Ukraine #Fedorov #Protests"
date: 2026-07-17T09:46:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/protests-resume-in-kyiv-over-fedorovs-dismissal
tags: [fedorov, syrsky, ukraine, kyiv, ministry-of-defense]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# «Fedorov — Minister of Defense»: Protests resume in Kyiv against the dismissal of the Defense Minister

![Protester in Kyiv holds a sign demanding Fedorov be appointed Minister of Defense, listing protest schedule](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/17/v-kieve-snovya-protestuyut-iz-za-otstavki-fedorova/v-kieve-snovya-protestuyut-iz-za-otstavki-fedorova-1.webp)

People have gathered again at the Franko Theatre in central Kyiv, demanding the resignation of the Chief of the General Staff, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the return of Mykhailo Fedorov to the post of Minister of Defense. The rallies have continued for the second day in a row, despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy having already appointed Yevhen Khmara as the acting minister.

### Chanting "Syrskyi — Resign"

As the day before, rally participants are chanting slogans: "Syrskyi — Resign", "Fedorov — Minister of Defense of Ukraine". The organizer of the rally, Dmytro Kozyatynskyi, confirmed that the protests will not stop until their demands are heard.

"Unfortunately, people were not heard. Neither civilians nor military personnel who spoke loudly about the need for real changes in the army. They left the Commander-in-Chief who weaves intrigues and turned the assault battalions into his personal mini-army," Kozyatynskyi wrote on social media after yesterday's event, which lasted until late evening.

### Why did Fedorov leave?

Mykhailo Fedorov's resignation was the result of a conflict with the Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. This was openly stated by both President Zelenskyy and Fedorov himself, who held an extensive briefing the day before, explaining the reasons for his departure.

Officially, the reason for the resignation is personnel changes within the framework of the Cabinet update announced on July 12. At that time, Zelenskyy offered Yulia Sviridenko a new post, and on July 14, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed the entire government.

### The plan did not work

Ministerial appointments were supposed to take place in two stages: first — a package of all ministers, except for the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Defense, then — separate votes on these two key posts. Igor Klymenko, who previously held the position of Minister of Internal Affairs in Sviridenko's government, was planned to be appointed as the head of the Ministry of Defense.

However, the plan was not fully implemented. The Verkhovna Rada managed to appoint Serhiy Koretskyi as Prime Minister and approve some ministers, but the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Defense remained vacant.

### Khmar instead of Fedorov

Against the backdrop of mass rallies, the President did not submit the candidacy of a new Defense Minister to the Verkhovna Rada. Instead, in the evening of July 16, he signed a decree appointing Yevhen Khmara as the acting minister. Prior to this, Khmara had already held a similar position in the SBU.

Such a decision does not require parliamentary approval — a presidential decree is sufficient. This has caused a new wave of discontent among Fedorov's supporters, who believe their opinion was ignored.

### Rallies continue

Rallies in support of Fedorov are taking place not only in Kyiv but also in other cities of Ukraine. Participants are demanding that the President reconsider his decision and return Fedorov to the post of Minister of Defense. Organizers have announced the continuation of rallies on Friday at 20:00 on Franko Square.