Zelensky sacks defence minister weeks after removing PM:Thousands protest as Ukraine’s drone warfare architect is ousted

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from office just six months after his appointment, triggering protests in several cities in what is being described as the first nationwide demonstrations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of people gathered in the capital Kyiv, while demonstrations were also reported in Odesa, Lviv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv, which has come under repeated Russian attacks. In Kharkiv, more than 300 protesters took to the streets carrying placards and chanting “Shame, shame” in response to Fedorov’s dismissal. The move is part of a broader government reshuffle that also saw Ukraine’s prime minister removed earlier this month. Architect of Ukraine’s drone warfare The 35-year-old Fedorov was widely regarded as the architect of Ukraine’s drone warfare programme. Before becoming defence minister in January, he served as Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation and was one of Zelensky’s closest advisers on technology and digital governance. As defence minister, Fedorov accelerated the military’s use of drones, robotics and advanced technologies. Ukraine expanded long-range drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting military bases, logistics hubs, oil facilities and positions in Russian-occupied Crimea. His technology-driven strategy was credited with helping Ukraine offset Russia’s conventional military advantage and strengthening public confidence in the country’s defence capabilities. Reported differences with military leadership According to multiple reports, Fedorov’s removal was not linked to corruption allegations or operational failures but to growing disagreements with Ukraine’s senior military leadership, including Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The differences reportedly began soon after Fedorov took office. He advocated a strategy centred on drones, robotic systems and emerging technologies, arguing that future wars would increasingly rely on autonomous and unmanned platforms. Syrskyi, however, reportedly maintained that while drones were an important tool, conventional ground forces would continue to play the decisive role in defeating Russia. Reports suggest the disagreements between the two leaders eventually became difficult to resolve, prompting Zelensky to side with the military command in an effort to preserve unity. Procurement reforms drew criticism Fedorov also sought to overhaul Ukraine’s defence procurement system, bringing him into conflict with sections of the country’s defence industry. He launched Brave1, an innovation platform designed to connect the military with defence technology developers and simplify access to new equipment. He also introduced another digital procurement platform aimed at streamlining the purchase of military supplies. According to reports, the reforms reduced reliance on traditional procurement channels and weakened the influence of established defence contractors, leading to opposition from major companies involved in Ukraine’s defence sector. Questions over military experience Fedorov also faced criticism from some military officials who argued that he lacked battlefield experience. Critics reportedly questioned whether a civilian technology expert without a military background was suited to lead the Defence Ministry during wartime. Several of his senior advisers had also previously worked with him in the Digital Transformation Ministry rather than serving in the armed forces. Tensions reportedly intensified after a senior official associated with Fedorov criticised the performance of the Skelya assault unit, prompting a public response from the unit, which questioned whether ministry officials understood the realities of frontline combat. Growing political profile Political analysts have also suggested that Fedorov’s growing public profile may have contributed to his removal. Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Kyiv-based Penta Center for Political Studies, said Fedorov had become one of the government’s most recognisable figures because of Ukraine’s successful drone programme. Fesenko also said Fedorov had begun receiving support from opposition politicians, which may have been viewed as a potential political challenge to Zelensky. According to Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda, Zelensky privately told political allies that the growing disputes involving Fedorov, senior military commanders and the defence industry had become increasingly difficult to manage, ultimately leading to the decision to dismiss him.