Zelenskyy speaks with former Defence Minister Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: Decisions regarding army to be developed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he had held talks with former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, promising that "decisions regarding the army will be developed."

Source: Zelenskyy's evening address; Fedorov on X

Quote from Zelenskyy: "There have been many consultations yesterday and today. Of course, I hear what people are saying. I spoke at length today with Mykhailo Fedorov. I also spoke today with Oleksandr Syrskyi. Decisions regarding the army will be developed."

Details: Fedorov also confirmed that a "dialogue" is ongoing.

Quote from Fedorov: "Changes will definitely come. You thanked me for Mriia and Dii . From my side, thank you for the hope. I haven't felt such responsibility even in government positions. Thanks to veterans and the military for holding the battlefield and honour. [Mriia – a state education app for learning and progress tracking; Diia – a government app for services and digital documents - ed.]

There is dialogue. I believe everything will work out."

Previously: According to the Financial Times, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests, if a suitable replacement is found.

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.
• On 18 July, protests in Kyiv resumed against Syrskyi and against the dismissal of Fedorov.

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