---
title: "Flares on Deribasivska: A rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov takes place in Odesa"
description: "A rally in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov took place on Deribasivska in Odesa. Participants demanded his return to office, citing successes in digitization. Authorities stated that a dialogue is underway but reminded of the strict procedures for personnel changes under martial law. 🚩🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-18T18:09:14.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/rally-in-odesa-deribasivska-july-18-2026-fedorov-resignation-en
tags: [mykhailo-fedorov, odesa, ukraine-ministry-of-defense, sergey-leshchenko, military-law]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Flares on Deribasivska: A rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov takes place in Odesa

![Protest in support of Mykhailo Fedorov on Deribasivska: participants with flares and a banner reading 'RETURN FEDOROV'](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/18/miting-v-odesse-deribasovskaya-18-iyulya-2026-otstavka-fedorova/miting-v-odesse-deribasovskaya-18-iyulya-2026-otstavka-fedorova-1.webp)

On the evening of July 18, 2026, the historic center of Odesa became the site of a large-scale public rally. Representatives of civil society, volunteers, and IT sector employees gathered on the pedestrian zone of Deribasivska Street. The event was organized to show support for former Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, who left his post earlier this week.

### Event details and format

According to photo and video footage captured at the scene, participants lined up on the cobblestones opposite the City Garden. During the picket, demonstrators unfurled a multi-meter text banner demanding the return of the former minister to his position. To attract attention, pyrotechnic elements—red signal flares—were used.

This event is part of a series of public demonstrations that have been taking place in Odesa for three consecutive days. Organizers emphasize that their key demand concerns not only personnel issues but also the preservation of the course on digitization and automation of troop management, as well as the expansion of unmanned systems production—areas associated with Fedorov's team.

### Regional context

The rally in Odesa is part of a broader movement that has spread across several regions of Ukraine:

- **Odesa:** Unfurling of banners in the historic center with the involvement of the technology sector.

- **Kyiv:** Static pickets in the government quarter using cardboard agitation.

- **Lviv:** Organized peaceful marches along Freedom Avenue with elements of visual performance.

### Government reaction and legal aspects

Mykhailo Fedorov himself reacted to the activity in the regions via his Telegram channel. In his message, he stated that a working dialogue is being held with the country's leadership regarding the stabilization of the management situation.

Meanwhile, advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Serhiy Leshchenko, confirmed on the 'United News' TV marathon that citizens' demands have been registered by the executive branch. However, the speaker emphasized that any restructuring of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff requires going through legally regulated procedures, which excludes instant personnel decisions.

According to the National Police of Ukraine, no offenses or clashes were recorded during the evening rally in Odesa. Law enforcement agencies maintained a perimeter watch to control the observance of public order under the legal regime of martial law.

### Legislative restrictions

The city administration and law enforcement agencies remind citizens of the need to strictly observe safety rules and curfew restrictions. According to the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law," the holding of mass gatherings is under strict control by military administration bodies.

Any personnel rotations in the highest echelons of the Ministry of Defense, in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On National Security," are carried out exclusively within the constitutional powers of the President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada through the passage of specialized parliamentary filters.