Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended his decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, confirming a complete breakdown in relations between the defense ministry and the country's top military commanders.
The removal of the popular Fedorov has sparked widespread public backlash, with over 1,000 protesters gathering outside the presidential office in Kyiv on Thursday to demand his reinstatement and the removal of the military's commander-in-chief.
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Speaking alongside visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy acknowledged that personal friction between Fedorov and Col. Gen.
Oleksandr Syrskyi had paralyzed communication, forcing him to choose between civilian leadership and the active military high command.
"I would very much like to see unity. The sides have not found it.
And the problem lies not only with the sides, but with me as well," said Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy explained that despite his hopes for cooperation, the deep divisions left him with no choice but to support one side to preserve operational stability.
"But things are as they are. And in such a situation, you have a choice: either one side or the other," said Zelenskyy.
New Acting Minister Appointed
To fill the vacancy, Zelenskyy appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine's security service, as acting defense minister and formally requested parliamentary confirmation for his permanent appointment.
The domestic political shakeup coincided with the final official visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Kyiv before his scheduled departure from Downing Street, during which the leaders discussed military cooperation and bilateral ties.
