Protests Demanding Fedorov’s Return as Defense Minister Enter Seventh Day

Demonstrators gathered across several Ukrainian cities on July 22, marking seven consecutive days of rallies protesting the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

In Kyiv, around 500 people assembled to demand Fedorov’s reinstatement. Meanwhile, smaller rallies took place in Kropyvnytskyi, Mykolaiv, Uzhhorod, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Dnipro, where fewer than 100 residents took to the streets, according to Suspilne News.

Although President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met one key demand by dismissing Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi, citizens insist on restoring Fedorov to lead the Ministry of Defense.

Over the past few days, discussions between Zelenskyy and Fedorov have focused on the position Fedorov could assume within the defense ministry and ongoing structural reforms. Presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn confirmed that Zelenskyy and Fedorov will continue these negotiations.

Protesters in Kropyvnytskyi emphasized the need for continuity in defense reforms following the appointment of Yevhen Khmara  within the ministry structure.

In Mykolaiv and Dnipro, participants viewed Syrskyi's departure as a step forward, yet remained focused on their primary demand—the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense. During the seventh day of demonstrations in Dnipro, citizens unfurled a Ukrainian flag and observed a minute of silence for fallen soldiers amid ongoing challenges during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

One participant, Svitlana, explained her reason for attending: "I will fight for what we came out here for. All our other demands were added in the process, but the first push was the removal of Fedorov and his return. Not just to any position, but specifically to the position of Minister of Defense."

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Life in Ukraine

Protests Supporting Former Defense Minister Fedorov Continue Across Ukraine for Sixth Day

Jul 21, 2026 22:38

Demonstrations also continued in Uzhhorod and near administrative offices in Ivano-Frankivsk on the evening of July 22, 2026. Crowds in Ivano-Frankivsk chanted slogans calling for modern military leadership and government accountability.

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov congratulated Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi on his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, calling it "new air and new hope."

Fedorov noted that he called General Oleksandr Syrskyi to thank him for the defense of the Kyiv region, the Kharkiv operation, and other historic battles that have become part of Ukraine's history.

The demonstrations began on July 16 after Zelenskyy confirmed that Fedorov would leave the Defense Ministry following a government reshuffle.

On July 18, the president said he had held separate conversations with Fedorov and Syrskyi and promised that decisions concerning the military would be developed. “We are preparing decisions for the army,” Zelenskyy said following the meetings.

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