President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's abrupt dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has exposed a troubling flaw in his leadership, according to observers.
The move came just as Kyiv appeared to gain advantages in its war with Russia.
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Fedorov, 35, was appointed in January and celebrated for his tech-driven approach. He streamlined military procurement, introduced competitive tendering, and tackled corruption.
He was also a key driver of Ukraine's highly effective drone program.
Clash with Military Chief
Fedorov's casual style and data-driven reforms grated with senior officers, particularly Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrski, 60.
Syrski, a graduate of a Moscow military school, favored a traditional war of attrition.
Fedorov had requested Syrski's removal, but Zelenskyy refused. At a press conference after his dismissal, Fedorov said Syrski blocked his initiatives at every turn.
"All the initiatives we proposed began to be blocked," Fedorov stated.
He accused Syrski of splitting the country instead of finding an asymmetric way to defeat Russia.
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Zelenskyy, at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said he wanted unity but appeared unable to choose between the two.
Political Rivalry Fears
Critics suggest Zelenskyy sidelined Fedorov because he was popular and a potential political rival.
The Kyiv Independent wrote that the decision "bears all the hallmarks of Zelenskyy's tendency to dismiss top officials who get too popular."
Protests continued for a second day over Fedorov's removal. Russian military bloggers celebrated the ousting.
Zelenskyy appointed Yevhen Khmara as interim defence minister.
Khmara, former head of the state security service's Alpha unit, is expected to continue Fedorov's emphasis on drone strikes and reforms.
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However, many Ukrainians question whether anyone can be empowered to be effective in the role.
