Zelensky tries to fix crisis over removal of defence minister and counts the cost
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing political fallout following the dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. While the government claims the crisis is resolved, supporters continue to protest and Fedorov has publicly rejected alternative roles, sparking speculation about his future political ambitions.
Why it matters
The internal political friction within Ukraine's leadership during wartime could impact military strategy and public morale.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, Protesters in Ukrainian cities have welcomed the change of commander-in-chief but continue to call for the return of Mykhailo Fedorov
With an acting defence minister in place and a new commander-in-chief in charge of the military, Ukraine's recent political crisis is over, right?
The political fallout from President Volodymyr Zelensky's 15 July decision not to re-appoint Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, as part of a cabinet reshuffle, continues to reverberate about Kyiv and beyond, even as air raid sirens wail and Russian drones and missiles are intercepted overhead.
Fedorov's mostly young supporters are still mounting daily street protests, demanding that Zelensky reinstate the popular young innovator widely credited with driving much of Ukraine's recent technological innovation.
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