Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in protest after President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked his popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, in a move that raised fears about political stability and the war effort. The dismissal came as outgoing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made a final visit to Kyiv to pledge continued support, including £255m in fresh funding.
At its simplest, Ukraine is in the midst of a high-level government reshuffle during an active war with Russia. Zelensky removed Fedorov, who had been defence minister only since January 2025, after a reported clash with Ukraine's top general, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov had proposed replacing Syrskyi and the chief of the general staff, but Zelensky declined, leading Fedorov to say he would "learn to work with him". However, Fedorov later stated that "all the initiatives we proposed were blocked" by the military leadership. Zelensky acknowledged a "systemic" conflict between the defence ministry and the General Staff, saying he would have to mediate.
“Explains Ukraine's defence minister sacking and UK support during wartime reshuffles.”
The background to this upheaval lies in the pressures of more than three years of full-scale war. Fedorov was credited with energising the defence ministry, leading a drive against corruption, and using data to improve frontline performance. He was also seen as a key figure in Ukraine's successful middle-strike campaign that damaged Russian logistics and Crimea. His sacking therefore sent shockwaves through Ukrainian society, sparking protests in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators holding signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!". Media organisations paused publication and some military leaders resigned in solidarity. The political turbulence has been described as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who can point to disunity in Kyiv.
For UK readers, this matters because Britain has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies. Starmer's visit—his last as prime minister before Andy Burnham takes over—underscored the continuity of UK policy. He awarded Zelensky a new £255m package, including 16 advanced aircraft, and highlighted the 100-year partnership signed between the two countries for closer defence and trade ties. Starmer said the UK's "unwavering" support would endure, adding that "Ukraine's stand has preserved European security". However, the reshuffle in Kyiv raises questions about whether internal divisions could undermine the war effort and the effectiveness of Western aid.
Q: Why was Ukraine's defence minister sacked? A: Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed after a clash with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov wanted Syrskyi and the chief of general staff replaced, but President Zelensky refused. Zelensky admitted there was a "systemic" conflict between the defence ministry and military command, which he said would require his mediation.
Q: Will UK support for Ukraine change under the new prime minister? A: Both outgoing PM Keir Starmer and incoming PM Andy Burnham have pledged continued support. Starmer said the UK's resolve "will not waver", and the UK has already signed a 100-year partnership with Ukraine. The new funding of £255m was announced during Starmer's final visit.
Q: How are Ukrainians reacting to the reshuffle? A: There have been protests in Kyiv and other cities, with crowds chanting "Shame!" and holding signs against Fedorov's removal. Some media outlets paused publication and military leaders resigned in solidarity. The move has been criticised as potentially damaging to the war effort and morale.
What happens next is uncertain. Zelensky has put forward Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister, but parliament must vote on any formal appointment. Meanwhile, Taras Kachka has been named Ukraine's new ambassador to the EU, part of a wider wartime reshuffle of senior portfolios. The UK will get a new prime minister in Andy Burnham, who is expected to continue the current policy on Ukraine. On the battlefield, Ukraine's military position has been described by Starmer as "its strongest since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion", but internal political stability remains a concern.