Protests started after Ukraine's defence minister was removed from the post last week amid disagreements with commander-in-chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi

03:39, Wed, Jul 22, 2026 Updated: 03:40, Wed, Jul 22, 2026

National Security And Defense Council Of Ukraine Meets In Kyiv

Ukraine's former commander-in-chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi (Image: Getty)

Ukraine's commander-in-chief has been sacked after days of protests over the removal of a popular defence minister.

The country's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said a week ago that he had been removed from the post, amid disagreements with commander-in-chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, sparking widespread public protests in support of 35-year-old minister.

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The following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the protests and said he was confident Fedorov would remain on his team.

Young demonstrators seen holding signs protesting the

Ukrainians protest the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov (Image: Getty)

On Tuesday, July 21, the Ukrainian leader offered Fedorov a "prominent position in government that would allow him to unify the technical component of our state and ensure its development", but it is not yet clear whether Fedorov has accepted the offer.

Fedorov, known for his approaches to technology and recruitment, spent six months as defence minister. His tenure coincided with Ukraine's military success and his removal from office caused major public outcry.

On Monday, Zelensky met with several top generals and his chief of staff issued statements that "the position of society has been heard."

On the same day, Syrskyi wrote an opinion piece for local military media where he apologised if he had offended Fedorov. He will be replaced by commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi.

Ukrainians protest against the dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov in Kyiv

Ukrainians protest against the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (Image: Getty)

Drapatyi is well known for a viral 2014 video in which he drove an armoured infantry fighting vehicle through a separatist barricade in Mariupol.

Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on his appointment in a post on Telegram.

"This is a new wind and a new hope in the struggle of free people for freedom and justice," he said.

Fedorov also called Syrskyi and thanked him for his efforts defending Ukraine.