Amidst Ukraine’s ongoing political turmoil, waves of protests have unfolded across major cities. Thousands are calling for Mykhailo Fedorov's reinstatement as defence minister. Critics argue that systemic corruption in governmental structures hinders effective governance and military reform, crucial for Ukraine's stability, especially during the war. Demonstrators, echoed by veterans and public figures, demand transparent dialogue and accountability from authorities. The protests have transcended individual grievances, symbolizing a deep-rooted demand for substantial changes in leadership and policy. These events highlight the crucial need for reformative actions in the defense sector and broader governance strategies.
What are the main reasons behind the protests in Ukraine?
The protests are primarily fueled by public discontent over systemic corruption in government and the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his role as defense minister. Protesters demand comprehensive reforms in the defense sector, aiming to establish transparency and efficiency, while also voicing broader concerns over democratic governance and accountability in the political system.
What role does Mykhailo Fedorov play in the ongoing Ukrainian protests?
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defence minister, has become a central figure in the protests due to his dismissal, which many see as unjust. His removal catalyzed public demonstrations demanding his reinstatement, along with calls for anti-corruption measures and reforms within Ukraine's defense and governmental sectors.
How have the Ukrainian authorities responded to the protests?
The Ukrainian authorities have struggled to address the root causes of the protests, with some ongoing efforts at dialogue. However, much of the governmental response has been criticized for lacking transparency and failing to engage meaningfully with demonstrators’ demands, particularly in matters of corruption and leadership reforms.
How are international communities viewing the protests in Ukraine?
International communities watch the protests closely, recognizing them as a critical test for Ukraine's commitment to democratic values and reform agendas. There's significant global interest in how the Ukrainian government navigates the complex political landscape while addressing corruption and enhancing public sector accountability.
What impact do protests have on Ukraine's defense sector?
The protests underscore the urgent need for reform in Ukraine's defense sector. They highlight underlying issues like corruption and lack of transparency, pressing the government to reform military administration and strategies to ensure effective operation and governance, especially during the ongoing conflict.
Are the protests limited to Kyiv, or are they taking place elsewhere?
While Kyiv is a focal point, protests have spread beyond the capital to multiple cities, including Lviv, Dnipro, and others. This widespread participation indicates a national concern over governance issues, with citizens across Ukraine rallying for changes in political and defense leadership structures.
Who are some of the key figures supporting the protests?
Veterans, public figures, and local leaders like Dmytro Koziatynskyi and Alina Mykhailova are notable supporters of the protests. They amplify the call for reforms, appealing for political accountability and systemic changes that align with the public's demand for integrity and transparency in leadership.
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Veteran Dmytryshyn detained after protests against heating pipeline in Teremky: defense alleges violations In Kyiv, law enforcement officers conducted a search and detained veteran and activist Liubomyr Dmytryshyn following protests in Teremky. His lawyers allege violations during his detention and the search and are already challenging the lawfulness of his deprivation of liberty. 6 101 37 Previously in trend: Illegal logging
Lithuania has handed Russia two notes of protest over sabotage in Estonia and large-scale attacks on Ukraine The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy and handed him two notes of protest. Vilnius was reacting to an act of sabotage against a defence company in Estonia and Russia’s systematic attacks on the population and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. 682 5 Previously in trend: Massive combined attack
Municipal Guard forcibly removes activists during protest in Teremky, woman injures arm: police investigate. VIDEO+PHOTOS A clash broke out in Kyiv between activists and Municipal Guard officers during a protest against the continued construction of a district heating network in Teremky. One protester injured her arm, and police are investigating the circumstances of the incident. 3 653 38 Previously in trend: Illegal logging
Corruption in government institutions prevents Ukraine from ending war from position of strength – Fedorov Former Defence Minister and former First Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov thanked all participants in the rallies demanding his reinstatement as defence minister and said that corrupt schemes continue to operate in the country, preventing Ukraine from ending the... 4 109 67 Previously in trend: Corruption in Ukraine Elections in Ukraine
"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. 1 176 19 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Moldovan government will convene farmers to discuss transit of Ukrainian grain and threats of protests In Moldova, efforts will be made to reach a compromise with local farmers, who have opposed the terms of Ukrainian grain transit and threatened mass protests. An extended meeting involving government officials, railway representatives and representatives of farmers’ associations will take place... 1 055 10 Previously in trend: Export of Ukrainian grain
"Fedorov - to Ministry of Defence, Khmara - to SSU": rally outside Verkhovna Rada has ended, organizers are calling on people to gather at Franko Square this evening (updated). VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, 19 August 2026, a rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov is taking place outside the Verkhovna Rada. 6 150 56 Previously in trend: Personnel changes in government Fedorov’s resignation
Ukraine must find mechanism for elections during war – Fedorov. VIDEO Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov addressed Ukrainians on August 18, saying that the country cannot remain without a duly appointed defense minister and that its democracy cannot depend on the Kremlin’s will. 12 849 211 Previously in trend: Corruption in Ukraine Elections in Ukraine Defense Ministry appointments Fedorov’s resignation
Undecided Fedorov: Why does former minister have to choose between Zelenskyy and street? // Uncensored. VIDEO What will happen to Mykhailo Fedorov after his resignation from the Ministry of Defence? Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that he does not plan to bring the former minister back, while Fedorov himself does not want to join the hard-line opposition. 2 387 21 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Current protests are not "for Fedorov" but for change in Zelenskyy’s way of governing – media Protests in Ukraine are already moving beyond demands for individual personnel decisions by the authorities. Public discontent is increasingly directed against the very way the country is governed. 2 537 26 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
In Kyiv and ten other cities, thousands of people took to streets to demand Fedorov’s return, dialogue, and reforms in defense sector. PHOTO Protests are taking place in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as Defence Minister. 6 102 61
Rallies calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement continue: march is being organised in Kyiv for 16 August Today, 15 August 2026, protests are continuing in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine, calling for Mykhailo Fedorov to be reinstated as Ukraine’s Minister of Defence. 5 000 78 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Hundreds take to streets in Kyiv to demand Fedorov’s return. VIDEO&PHOTOS On 14 August, hundreds of people gathered for a peaceful rally on Ivan Franko Square in Kyiv, demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as Ukraine’s Minister of Defence. 5 705 81 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Organiser of ’Cardboard Protest’ has called for new demonstration on 14 August in Kyiv: President has disappointed us with his silence The next ‘Cardboard Protest’ in Kyiv is scheduled for Friday, 14 August. 9 531 106 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Kyiv residents protest tree felling in park in Teremky. PHOTOS A conflict has erupted in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district over the felling of trees in a park in Teremky. 6 118 43 Previously in trend: Illegal logging
"Government is not listening to people": Rallies demanding Fedorov’s return as defence minister continue in Ukrainian cities for 19th consecutive day. PHOTOS On Monday, 3 August, rallies demanding the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister continued in several Ukrainian cities for the 19th consecutive day. 2 855 45 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Kaleniuk on protest in Kyiv: President must stop "pissing in people’s eyes" and explain real reason for Fedorov’s dismissal. PHOTOS A protest march against the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov as Defence Minister took place in Kyiv yesterday. 5 902 54 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Lviv, Dnipro and other cities join protest march against Fedorov’s resignation. PHOTOS People in Kyiv and Lviv joined a protest march against Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation as defence minister. 4 716 49 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protest march against Fedorov’s resignation begins in Kyiv: "We are marching for reforms.". VIDEO+PHOTOS A protest march against Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation as defence minister has begun in Kyiv. 5 043 59 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protests show no sign of abating: for 15 days, Ukrainians have been demanding that Fedorov be reinstated as Defence Minister. PHOTOS Mass protests calling for Mykhailo Fedorov’s reinstatement as Defence Minister have now been ongoing for the 15th consecutive day in various cities across Ukraine. 3 191 66 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Mass rallies against Fedorov’s dismissal continue in Ukraine for 14th consecutive day. PHOTOS On 29 July, protests over the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov continued in Ukraine. This marked the 14th day that people had taken to the streets in various cities. 2 125 62 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
March against Fedorov’s dismissal announced in Kyiv instead of daily rally: it will take place on evening of 31 July Veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi, one of the initiators of the rally against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal, has announced a protest march in Kyiv on Friday, 31 July, calling for dialogue and reforms in the defence sector. 4 535 104 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Man in balaclava with knife detained at rally against Fedorov’s dismissal in Lviv: his identity established. PHOTO During a rally against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal in Lviv, a man wearing a balaclava pulled out a knife and began moving towards the speakers. Rally participants detained him and handed him over to the police. The man has already been identified. 8 657 23 Previously in trend: Attack on protesters in Lviv
"We will stand until all demands are met": Protests over Fedorov’s resignation continue for 12th day in Ukrainian cities. PHOTOS On Monday, 27 July, protests against Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation as Ukraine’s Minister of Defence continued in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities for the 12th consecutive day. The protesters are demanding that he be reinstated. There were also calls to replace Veterans Affairs Minister... 2 691 42 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Demonstrations calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement are continuing for eleventh day in cities across Ukraine. PHOTOS On Sunday, 26 July, protests are taking place in a number of Ukrainian cities for the 11th consecutive day following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as Defence Minister. 4 156 72 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protests against Fedorov’s dismissal as Defence Minister have been ongoing for ten days in Kyiv and other cities. PHOTOS In Kyiv and several other cities across Ukraine, 25 July marks the tenth day of protests over the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as Defence Minister. 5 249 158 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
No Verkhovna Rada sitting planned before 18 August – "Servant of People" Vasylevska-Smahliuk No sitting of the Verkhovna Rada is planned before 18 August. 1 664 23 Previously in trend: Defense Ministry appointments Fedorov’s resignation
"Bring back effective minister": Protests against Fedorov’s dismissal continue for ninth day in Ukrainian cities. PHOTOS On the evening of Friday, 24 July, protests against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as defence minister continued for the ninth day in several Ukrainian cities. 3 919 72 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protests may stop if Zelenskyy publicly says he will not appoint Fedorov as Defense Minister, - Hnezdilov President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must openly explain why he is not reinstating Mykhailo Fedorov to the Ministry of Defense and why he is transferring Yevhen Khmara from the SSU. 5 211 41 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protests against Fedorov’s resignation continue across country. PHOTOS Protests against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as defence minister have continued in Ukraine for the eighth consecutive day. 4 455 61 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Rally in support of Fedorov continues in Ukrainian cities for seventh day. PHOTOS On the evening of 22 July, people in a number of Ukrainian cities took to the streets for the seventh consecutive day in support of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. 2 998 52 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
"Authorities must hear us": Veteran Koziatynskyi calls for new protests demanding Fedorov’s return to Defence Ministry Armed Forces of Ukraine veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi said that protests in Kyiv would continue following Oleksandr Syrskyi’s dismissal, as the public’s second key demand remains Mykhailo Fedorov’s reinstatement as Ukraine’s Defence Minister. 3 265 67 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Mass rallies against Fedorov’s resignation continue in Ukrainian cities for sixth consecutive day. PHOTOS Mass protests against Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation are continuing for a sixth day in cities across Ukraine. 1 884 22
Protest calling for Fedorov’s return and Syrskyi’s dismissal continues in Kyiv for sixth day. VIDEO+PHOTOS On the evening of 21 July, Ukrainians took to the streets of Kyiv for the sixth time to protest against the resignation of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. 2 274 10 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
"We want there to be dialogue between people and authorities": Marichka Padalko and Yevhen Klopotenko joined the protest in support of Fedorov. VIDEO In Kyiv, well-known public figures joined a protest against the resignation of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Among them were, in particular, TV presenter Marichka Padalko and chef and restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko. 6 638 32 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protests for Fedorov’s return and Syrskyi’s resignation continue in Kyiv and other cities for fifth day. VIDEO&PHOTOS On Monday evening, 20 July, Ukrainians took to the streets in several cities for the fifth time to protest against the resignation of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. 4 609 87 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation Syrskyi dismissal
"Bring Fedorov back, sack Syrskyi": protests enter their fourth day in Kyiv, Lviv and other cities. VIDEO&PHOTOS On the evening of Sunday, 19 July, people gathered once again in Kyiv and Lviv to protest, demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as Minister of Defence. There are also calls for Oleksandr Syrskyi to be dismissed from his post as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 5 914 51 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation Syrskyi dismissal
"General must go": Ukrainian Armed Forces veteran Koziatynskyi has called on Ukrainians to take to streets to demand Syrskyi’s dismissal Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a member of the ‘Ulf’ medical unit, has called on citizens to take part in protests in Kyiv and other cities demanding the dismissal of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. 6 278 109 Previously in trend: Syrskyi dismissal
"Syrskyi must go – country needs reformers": protests against Fedorov’s dismissal continue in cities across Ukraine. PHOTOS On the evening of Saturday, 18 July, protests are continuing in several Ukrainian cities against the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence. 5 561 52 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Fedorov has responded to protests in his support: "Changes are bound to happen; dialogue is taking place" Former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has thanked Ukrainians for their support, as they have been taking to the streets for the third day running to demand his reinstatement as head of the Ministry of Defence. 10 284 44 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Protest demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement is continuing for third day in Kyiv. PHOTOS On the evening of 18 July, a protest is taking place in Kyiv for the third day running, demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as Minister of Defence. Protesters are also calling for the dismissal of Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 4 149 17 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation Syrskyi dismissal
"Fedorov = future", "Syrskyi out": third day of protests is taking place in Lviv. PHOTOS On the evening of 18 July, another protest is taking place in Lviv against the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The people of Lviv are also calling for Oleksandr Syrskyi to be removed from his post as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 941 26 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation Syrskyi dismissal
"Syrskyi out!": Protest in support of Fedorov draws more participants. PHOTOS On the evening of 17 July, rallies are taking place in several Ukrainian cities demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as defence minister. There are also calls for Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi to be dismissed. 12 831 110 Previously in trend: Syrskyi–Fedorov conflict Fedorov’s resignation
More than 5,000 people take to streets in Kyiv to protest dismissal of Defence Minister Fedorov. VIDEO&PHOTOS On the evening of 17 July, Ukrainians rallied in Kyiv for the second consecutive day. They are demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as defence minister and that Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi be dismissed. 8 723 125 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Military officer Mykhailova: I received calls asking where young man organising protests in support of Fedorov is serving Alina Mykhailova, a volunteer and military medic, has spoken out about the pressure being exerted on military personnel who support peaceful protests. According to her, taking part in such events could result in reprimands, loss of rank and ‘preventative talks’ with the command. 17 439 110 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
People were not heard, authorities want to wait it out: rally in support of Fedorov will take place in Kyiv at 8:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., a protest in support of Mykhailo Fedorov will take place on Franko Square in Kyiv. 7 632 118 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Second day of protests against Fedorov’s resignation began in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine. VIDEO+PHOTOS The second day of protests against President Zelenskyy’s decision not to reappoint Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine’s defence minister has begun. 6 249 62 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
Hundreds rally in Kyiv for second time in one day against Fedorov’s resignation. PHOTOS On 16 July, people in Kyiv took to the streets for the second time that day to protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation as defence minister. 6 440 46 Previously in trend: Fedorov’s resignation
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