Zelenskyy Reshuffles Government Amid Military Rift and Mass Protests

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated a sweeping government overhaul between July 15 and 17, 2026, dismissing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The reshuffle was triggered by a public and severe rift between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking technological reforms and fostering a dysfunctional military culture, while Zelenskyy stated he could not allow the Defense Ministry and General Staff to fight during wartime.

The dismissals sparked rare, large-scale protests in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro, with demonstrators demanding Fedorov's reinstatement. Critics and resigning officials, including Air Force Deputy Commander Pavlo Yelizarov, argued that removing the reformist Fedorov—credited with expanding drone warfare and curbing corruption—undermined national defense. In response to the vacancy, Zelenskyy appointed Major General Yevhen Khmara, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as acting defense minister, though his formal confirmation may face legal delays because the role typically requires a civilian.

Simultaneously, the Verkhovna Rada confirmed Serhii Koretskyi, former CEO of Naftogaz, as the new prime minister. Koretskyi is tasked with leading a government focused on defense, economic development, and securing the energy grid for winter. The transition occurred amid continued Russian missile strikes and a diplomatic visit from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. To further stabilize the security apparatus, Zelenskyy offered former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko the role of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.