Many Ukrainian soldiers outraged over removal of defence minister, troops tell BBC
Ukrainian soldiers are expressing significant frustration and anger following the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Many troops view the cabinet reshuffle as a betrayal of their efforts and a sign of political instability during the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
Internal political friction within the Ukrainian government during wartime can impact military morale and public trust in leadership.
Image source, Olga Ivashchenko/Bloomberg via Getty Images Image caption, Crowds took to the streets of Kyiv on Thursday following the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov
"My operation is scheduled for tomorrow," says the disfigured soldier, still recovering from his terrible injuries.
"I hope when I wake up after the anaesthetic, Fedorov will be back at the Ministry of Defence," the unnamed soldier says in a video posted on Telegram. "Otherwise, everything I was fighting for will have been in vain."
Among Ukraine's battle-weary soldiers and wounded veterans, there's a collective sense of outrage at this week's political developments.
President Zelensky's decision not to re-appoint his successful young defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, in his latest cabinet reshuffle, has caused bafflement and fury in equal measure.
"It is a blatant slap in the face to all service members," said a soldier we're calling Maryna, to protect her identity.
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