Ukrainians protest over Zelenskyy's move to oust popular defense chief
Ukrainians are demonstrating in Kyiv and senior figures announcing their resignations over President Volodymyr Zelenksyy's move to oust his popular defense chief.
Updated on: July 16, 2026 / 5:33 AM EDT / CBS/AP
Kyiv, Ukraine — Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Kyiv Thursday after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a cabinet shakeup that had already raised eyebrows for its timing. The reshuffle comes right as Ukraine is seen by many analysts as turning the tide slowly against Russia's nearly 4½-year full-scale invasion.
CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports that many observers have credited the outgoing cabinet with Ukraine's recent successes in countering Russia's assault. The reshuffle could become a test of Zelenskyy's political authority as Ukraine's fight against Russia continues.
The deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force and some lawmakers were quick to submit their own resignations Thursday in protest of Fodorov's ouster.
"I believe that the removal of M. Fedorov is a great evil for the country's defense capability," deputy Air Force Commander Pavlo Yelizarov wrote in a Facebook post with a copy of his resignation letter attached.
Fedorov's technological expertise is credited in part with a significant improvement in Ukraine's military performance in recent months against Russia's bigger army, but he is now expected to leave the government after just six months in the post.