Protests continued across Ukraine on 17 July following the removal of Mykhaylo Fedorov as defence minister during a government reshuffle. Demonstrations grew for a second consecutive day, with an estimated 10,000 people gathering in Kyiv to demand Fedorov’s return and the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyy, highlighting mounting public dissatisfaction with the military leadership.
According to Ukrayinska Pravda and Interfax-Ukraine estimates, the second day of protests in Kyiv attracted larger crowds than the first. Demonstrations were also reported in other Ukrainian cities, including Kryvyy Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown.
The protests followed Fedorov’s public criticism of Syrskyy on 16 July. Fedorov accused the army chief of ignoring problems within the military, blocking Defence Ministry initiatives and engaging in internal political manoeuvring. Syrskyy responded by expressing hope that Fedorov would remain part of the Ukrainian team.
Public figures, military commentators and veterans argued that the protests reflected broader concerns about military leadership rather than support for a single official. Commentators said public trust in the military command had been damaged and warned that the demonstrations were unlikely to subside without a political response. Protest organisers also called for further rallies on 18 July.
The demonstrations began after Fedorov was removed as defence minister in a government reshuffle announced on 16 July. The protests have since expanded into one of the largest public displays of support for a senior government official during the war.
Based on statements from organisers and public commentators, further protests are expected in the coming days. Participants say they will continue to pressure the government to reconsider the defence leadership, while observers warn that the authorities’ response could shape public confidence in Ukraine’s military and political leadership.
