Zelensky Seeks to Calm Military Rift

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has begun consultations with senior military commanders as he seeks to ease growing discontent within the defense leadership. The meetings come after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov sparked the largest street protests since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Thousands of people in Kyiv and other cities are demanding Fedorov's reinstatement and the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Critics accuse him of a Soviet-style command culture, high troop casualties and an outdated approach to military command.

Zelensky has met with six respected commanders, whom analysts have identified as potential successors to Syrskyi.

According to presidential office head Kyrylo Budanov, the president is taking public opinion into account as he considers his next steps.

A Gradus poll found that most Ukrainians oppose Fedorov's dismissal. According to sources, Fedorov has discussed other roles with Zelensky but is willing to return only as defense minister.

(Reuters, MJA)