The row over the sacking of the popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, highlights questions about the country’s military and political direction
Even as Ukraine’s civilians endure brutal strikes by Russia, thousands have taken to the streets to protest against Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s sacking of Mykhailo Fedorov, the popular young defence minister, last week after he clashed with the commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. On Tuesday night, demonstrators’ calls were answered as the Ukrainian president fired the general and offered Mr Fedorov a “prominent” role and promised an overhaul of the army command.
Mr Fedorov, widely credited for significant improvements in the country’s military performance and reducing corruption, had made a scathing attack on Gen Syrskyi after his dismissal – accusing him of blocking reforms and refusing to cooperate. The general seems to have seen the minister as exceeding his remit and effectively taking control of units. The pair also butted heads over Mr Fedorov’s plans to improve recruitment and training to reduce the deep anger created by the conscription system. A Soviet-schooled military officer deeply embedded within institutions tussled with a young civilian disruptor taking a more agile, improvisational approach.
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