Zelenskiy appoints new defense chief to quell political crisis

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sought to calm a growing political crisis on Thursday by appointing a security official who oversaw Ukraine’s long-range strikes against Russia as acting defense minister following the dismissal of reform-minded minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

The move came after rare public protests erupted across Ukraine over Fedorov’s removal in a surprise government reshuffle. His dismissal highlighted tensions between the former defense minister and Ukraine’s top military leadership during Zelenskiy’s second major Cabinet shake-up in a year.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Kyiv and other cities, calling for Fedorov to be reinstated. Many supporters praised his efforts to modernize Ukraine’s military and improve its efficiency as the country continues to fight Russia more than four years into the war. A senior commander involved in Ukraine’s air campaign also resigned following Fedorov’s dismissal.

In a statement, Zelenskiy announced the appointment of Yevhenii Khmara, acting head of Ukraine’s SBU domestic security service, as acting defense minister. He said he would ask parliament to approve Khmara for the position permanently.

"Yevhenii Khmara has gained extensive and, in many respects, unprecedented experience with technological combat operations," Zelenskiy wrote on X.

"This is exactly where our defense efforts should be focused during this war."

Ukraine’s long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities and defense industries have intensified in recent months, disrupting Moscow’s military capabilities and boosting Ukrainian morale. Khmara previously led the SBU’s Alpha unit, which has played a key role in those operations.

Parliament, which approved a new government under Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi earlier Thursday, is expected to consider Khmara’s appointment during its next session on Aug. 18.

Fedorov criticizes military leadership

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Fedorov said he rejected an offer from Zelenskiy to serve as an adviser after learning he would not be part of the new government.

The 35-year-old criticized Ukraine’s military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, accusing him of blocking Defense Ministry reforms and failing to address key problems.

"Instead of working out how to defeat Russia ... he has figured out how to split the country," Fedorov said.

Syrskyi, who has served as commander since early 2024, responded by urging national unity and emphasizing the importance of focusing on the war effort. He also highlighted his role in defending Kyiv during the early weeks of Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Earlier Thursday, Zelenskiy said he was still considering candidates to replace Fedorov permanently and expressed hope that the dispute could be resolved.

"I would very much like unity," Zelenskiy told reporters. "The sides did not find it."

Military challenges continue

Ukraine has recently gained momentum on the battlefield through expanded drone and missile attacks targeting Russian oil infrastructure and military logistics.

Despite those successes, Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian advances in the east while dealing with shortages of ground troops and air defense systems as Moscow increases its ballistic missile attacks.

Following Fedorov’s dismissal, Pavlo Yelizarov, a deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force and a senior figure in the country’s drone warfare program, announced his resignation.

The Kremlin said it was monitoring developments surrounding the government reshuffle.

Protesters rally in Kyiv

More than 1,000 people gathered outside Zelenskiy’s office in Kyiv, chanting "Shame!" and carrying signs criticizing the government’s decision to remove Fedorov.

The demonstration recalled protests last year that prompted Zelenskiy to reverse a controversial measure affecting Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies.

Some protesters argued that Ukraine needed stronger leadership in the Defense Ministry, while others called for changes within the military’s top command instead.

Government overhaul

Before becoming defense minister, Fedorov served as Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, where he earned recognition for reducing bureaucracy, expanding drone capabilities, and promoting technology-driven military reforms.

Supporters say his efforts to reform defense procurement faced resistance from parts of the political establishment, while critics argued progress on military recruitment was too slow.

Zelenskiy defended the Cabinet reshuffle, saying the government and law enforcement agencies required renewal to strengthen Ukraine’s wartime leadership.

Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said the new government’s priorities include fully equipping the military with drones, expanding Ukraine’s defense industry, and preparing the country’s energy infrastructure for another winter of Russian attacks. -Additional reporting by Olena Harmash and Anna Pruchnicka; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Alison Williams and Ros Russell/Reuters