Ukraine's president dismisses defence minister amid military leadership conflict
World · 16 July 2026
Written by AI from multiple news reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on July 16, 2026. Thousands of people protested in Kyiv and other cities, carrying banners that said "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory."
Fedorov had led Ukraine's drone programme and was credited with successful long-range strikes inside Russia. His removal came after a serious breakdown in his relationship with army commander General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy said he had to choose "one side or the other" and backed Syrskyi.
Major General Yevhenii Khmara was named acting defence minister. Ukraine's top drone warfare commander, Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned in protest. The government reshuffle also included a new prime minister. Zelenskyy admitted the conflict between the military command and the defence ministry had been "systemic."