Zelensky Faces Backlash over Army Leadership

Protests continued in Kyiv on Friday for a second day following President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to let Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov resign. Several thousand demonstrators gathered in front of the presidential office, demanding not only Fedorov's reinstatement but also the dismissal of Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander in chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Critics accuse him of outdated leadership styles, high troop casualties and the slow adoption of modern technologies in the military. Zelensky said a conflict had arisen between Fedorov and Syrskyi so serious that their continued cooperation was no longer possible.

At the same time, he carried out a series of personnel changes, appointing former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to head the National Security and Defense Council and naming Serhiy Beskrestnov as an advisor on defense technologies.

The protests come at a time when Ukraine is continuing its attacks on Russian logistics while also struggling with a shortage of troops and air defense capabilities. Many protesters argue that the country needs more modern military leadership.

(Reuters)