Protests over the dismissal of Ukraine’s reformist defence minister entered a fifth day on Monday, deepening a political crisis that has placed President Volodymyr Zelensky under mounting pressure to overhaul the country’s military leadership.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered again in central Kyiv to demand the return of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the removal of Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky. The crowds were smaller than during the weekend, following another wave of Russian attacks, but protesters said they intended to continue until the government responded to their demands.
“You can ask everyone here – we will not leave,” said Anastasiia Starodubtseva, 25. “We will stay until something changes.”
The demonstrations began spontaneously on Thursday after Fedorov, a popular and tech-focused minister associated with efforts to modernise Ukraine’s armed forces, was removed from his post. They have since grown into the longest sustained street protests in Ukraine directly related to the conduct of the war, presenting Zelensky with one of his most urgent domestic political challenges since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Thousands have taken part in demonstrations in the capital, carrying handmade cardboard signs, singing the national anthem and chanting calls for Syrsky to step down. Zelensky has spent several days holding meetings with senior advisers and military commanders as he searches for a solution that avoids widening divisions at a critical moment in the war.
Ukrainian media and political analysts said discussions had focused on whether Fedorov could return to government and whether Syrsky should remain commander-in-chief. A presidential spokesperson said no decision was expected on Monday.
Calls grow for military shake-up
The controversy intensified after Fedorov gave a strongly worded press conference in which he claimed Syrsky had issued Zelensky with an ultimatum and pushed for his dismissal. Fedorov responded by calling for the army chief to be removed, quickly turning himself into a rallying figure for Ukrainians demanding reform of the military establishment.
Supporters organised on social media before taking their demands to the streets, where chants of “Syrsky out!” became increasingly prominent.
“The situation is undoubtedly serious – we are seeing the list of demands grow,” said Oleksandr Salizhenko, an expert with the Ukrainian civic movement Chesno.
Starodubtseva, who attended Monday’s demonstration with several strands of pink hair framing her face, said she also held Syrsky responsible for the death of her husband.
“We are demanding answers, and we are not getting any,” she said.
As protesters assembled in Kyiv, Syrsky published a rare and lengthy article in the Ukrainian military outlet Militarnyi defending his record and rejecting allegations that he had delivered an ultimatum to the president.
“My job is war. Strategy, the front, people. This is what I do and what I will continue to do,” he said, insisting his attention remained focused on defeating Russia.
However, analysts said the commander had become increasingly vulnerable as public anger continued to build.
“Syrsky has become hostage to the situation,” political analyst Anatolii Oktysiuk said. “The longer Zelensky keeps Syrsky in his position, the deeper the social and political conflict becomes.”
Solomiia Bobrovska, an opposition MP who sits on parliament’s defence committee, said discussions were under way about possible candidates to replace Syrsky, although she cautioned that the situation was evolving rapidly.
Balancing reform and wartime unity
Zelensky has repeatedly appealed for national unity while consulting Ukraine’s military and political leadership. Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said the president appeared to be searching for a candidate who could symbolise change without creating further instability within the armed forces.
“He is searching for an option that would demonstrate change in the military leadership while remaining broadly similar to Syrsky – loyal, free of political ambitions and respected by the military,” Fesenko said.
The dispute has also exposed frustration among commanders who argue that military decisions are being judged by people with little understanding of conditions on the battlefield.
“It is particularly painful to hear peremptory judgments from people who have never issued combat orders, never taken responsibility for the lives of personnel,” commander Oleg Apostol said.
Even if Zelensky finds a compromise over Syrsky’s future, Fedorov’s position remains difficult to resolve. His dismissal has elevated him from government minister to a symbol of wider demands for military reform, particularly among younger Ukrainians and those frustrated by the pace of change within the armed forces.
Bobrovska warned that allowing the dispute to continue could further inflame tensions.
“The situation on the street is starting to be unhealthy,” she said. “The president and Fedorov have to find a way to solve this together.”
