Row escalates in Ukraine over army chief's future
Ukraine is facing internal political instability as protests erupt over the potential dismissal of military leadership. President Zelensky is navigating pressure from citizens who support the current defense minister and oppose the perceived outdated doctrines of the commander-in-chief.
Why it matters
Internal political friction in Ukraine could impact military effectiveness and morale during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The role of Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, has been part of the country's rumour mill
As discussions continue to resolve the crisis caused by President Zelensky's decision last week to part ways with Ukraine's popular Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, those organising daily protests in support of the minister have issued a threat.
"If, by Friday July 24th [commander-in-chief Oleksandr] Syrskyi has not been dismissed and Federov has not been nominated for the post of Minister of Defence," army veteran Dmytro Koziatynsky wrote on social media, "we will begin an open-ended nationwide protest."
No protests are currently scheduled before then. Ukraine is waiting, anxiously, for a resolution.
Over the weekend, the news was full of reports of meetings and discussions, as Zelensky consulted ministers and generals.
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