"People are protesting not because of Fedorov, but to demand reforms in defense sector—particularly anti-corruption reforms," - veteran Koziatinskyi
Mykhailo Fedorov did not take part in the protest, as this would have immediately politicised the demonstrations, which are apolitical, peaceful and grassroots.
This was stated by Ukrainian Armed Forces veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi in an interview with Censor.NET.
What is known?
"People are not rallying behind Fedorov as some sort of political figure, but behind Fedorov as a means of implementing reforms in the defence sector, particularly anti-corruption reforms."
"If Khmara is able to continue with these reforms, that would be brilliant. But then again, I can’t speak for the whole protest movement; I’m just speaking for myself," he explained.
According to Koziatynskyi, the potential for protest may fade over time.
"People will go their separate ways. But we must realise that this frustration and anger do not disappear; they build up. ... This is actually a very dangerous situation, because, in any case, there will be further crises in the future. And I fear that this anger and frustration might later erupt into some sort of social upheaval. I’ll say it again: this is dangerous during a war," the veteran emphasised.
Read the interview with Dmytro Koziatynskyi for Censor.NET via the link.
What led up to it?
- On 18 August, former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recorded a message to the Ukrainian people, in which he stated that the country must find a way to hold elections during the war.
