--- title: "Zelensky on protests: 'It was right to come out' and promise to Fedorov to stay in the team" description: "Zelensky comments on protests over Fedorov's resignation for the first time: he supports people's right to take to the streets and promises the minister will remain in his team. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ“’ The EU awaits explanations from Kyiv regarding this personnel issue." date: 2026-07-16T11:58:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelensky-protests-fedorov-stay-team-en tags: [zelensky, fedorov, ukraine, protests, eu] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Zelensky on protests: 'It was right to come out' and promise to Fedorov to stay in the team ![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of a screen, commenting on protests and promising Fedorov to stay in the team](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/zelenskyi-protesty-fedorov-ostanetsya-v-komande/zelenskyi-protesty-fedorov-ostanetsya-v-komande-1.webp) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly reacted for the first time to the mass protests that erupted in the country following the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The head of state confirmed that he is aware of the public sentiment and recognized the citizens' right to express disagreement with government decisions. ### Recognition of the right to protest In his statement, conveyed by an RBK-Ukraine correspondent, Zelensky emphasized the importance of democratic freedoms. He noted that he understands and hears what society is saying and is reacting to these signals. According to the president, the people who decided to take to the streets acted correctly, as Ukraine is fighting for freedom and democracy. "I understand, hear, and react to what society is saying. We are fighting for freedom and democracy. People are doing what they want. They wanted to come out β€” and that was right," the country's leader stated, commenting on the unrest in society. ### Mykhailo Fedorov's future A key point of the speech was Zelensky's promise regarding the future of the former minister. Despite resigning from the post of head of the Ministry of Defense, Fedorov will not leave the president's team. However, details of the official's new role remain shrouded in mystery for now. "Fedorov will remain in my team, however, his exact role will be announced later," Zelensky added, refusing to reveal details of the reshuffle in the near future. ### Background of personnel changes The situation surrounding Fedorov's resignation has deep context. Earlier, RBK-Ukraine reported that the minister himself had proposed large-scale personnel changes to the president, specifically the replacement of other high-ranking officials β€” Syrskyi and Hnatov. Fedorov had already explained the motives behind his intention to achieve such radical changes in the power structure. Media also reported on the specific position the president offered to the current head of the Ministry of Defense, however, the final decision led to his resignation and subsequent protests. ### Reaction of international partners Events inside Ukraine have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. It became known that the European Union is waiting for official explanations from Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov. Brussels is closely monitoring the development of the situation, considering the importance of stability in the Ukrainian government under current geopolitical conditions.