Protests in Ukraine's cities against Zelensky's removal of defence minister
Protesters in Kyiv are demonstrating against President Zelensky's surprise dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The move has caused significant backlash among the military and civil society, with some linking the decision to internal tensions within the government.
Why it matters
The dismissal of a popular minister during an ongoing conflict risks destabilizing domestic morale and military leadership cohesion.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Protesters gathered in central Kyiv on Thursday morning
Protests have been taking place in several Ukrainian cities against President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise dismissal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
A crowd of people - mostly young - gathered in Kyiv, holding up signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!" and chanting "Shame!".
Zelensky has not yet explained his decision, which is causing significant upset among commentators and the military as well as parts of civil society.
Fedorov, 35, was appointed only in January but has been credited with energising the ministry, heading a drive against corruption and using data to analyse and try to improve performance on the front line.
MPs were due to vote later on Thursday on the proposed replacement as defence minister, Ihor Klymenko, who currently heads the interior ministry.
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