Protests against Fedorov’s dismissal continue in Kyiv

A protest against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister is taking place in Kyiv's Ivan Franko Square for the third day in a row. The protesters are also demanding the removal of Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda correspondents

Some of the protesters. Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The protesters are chanting slogans such as "Corruption kills," "No punishment for the military," and "Syrskyi out!"

Some of the slogans seen on the protesters' signs include: "Ashamed of my commander-in-chief," "Our choice is Fedorov," and "The cheese [a reference to Syrskyi's surname – ed.] has gone mouldy."

Background:

• On 16 July, protests in support of Fedorov took place near the President's Office in Kyiv and in a number of Ukrainian cities. The protesters called on the authorities to reinstate Fedorov in the new government and not to hand the defence minister position over to Ihor Klymenko.
• Commenting on the upcoming changes at the Defence Ministry, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Fedorov and Syrskyi were unable to work together effectively and that problems on the battlefield, in military brigades and with mobilisation remain unresolved.
• Zelenskyy said it was right that Ukrainian citizens are able to take part in peaceful demonstrations and express their views even during wartime, adding that he had "not yet made a final decision" on the issue they had raised.
• Later that evening, however, Zelenskyy said he would propose the appointment of Yevhen Khmara as defence minister to the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament). Khmara, who is currently the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, will now carry out the duties of Ukraine's defence minister on the president's instruction.