Protests erupt over Ukraine defence minister’s dismissal
Ukraine has witnessed protests in several cities after President Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has sparked criticism from military personnel, political analysts and sections of the public. Hundreds of demonstrators, many of them young people, gathered in the capital, Kyiv, carrying placards in support of Fedorov and chanting slogans condemning the decision. Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. The dismissal has fueled debate over tensions within Ukraine's military leadership. During a press briefing, Fedorov disclosed that he had advised President Zelensky to replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, arguing that changes were needed to improve military strategy. President Zelensky later acknowledged that disagreements between the Defence Ministry and the General Staff had become a long-standing issue. However, he maintained that he had no […]