Just as Ukraine seemed to gain ground on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky carried out an unexpected cabinet change that removed the defense minister and led to unusual demonstrations in several cities. Parliament confirmed a new prime minister, former Naftogaz chief Sergiy Koretsky, along with most of his cabinet. The change drew attention mainly because of objections to the departure of popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his sharp criticism of the military’s senior commander. Zelensky said the moves aimed to ready the nation for winter and improve wartime administration, yet offered few details on Fedorov’s exit. The decision came less than a year after the previous cabinet adjustment and only six months after Fedorov took the post to modernize the armed forces. It occurred during a period of cautious optimism in Kyiv, as Ukrainian forces had slowed Russian advances and increased strikes inside Russia. Opposition figures described the timing as sudden. Analysts suggested the change might relate to plans to name a new ambassador to the United States. Koretsky’s main task is to prepare the energy system for winter, when Russian attacks on power infrastructure often resume. Fedorov’s removal has split opinion within the military and the public, prompting street protests and open comments from senior officers. Fedorov claimed army chief Oleksandr Syrsky gave Zelensky an ultimatum. Zelensky noted the two men were barely communicating and stressed the need for unity. Appointed in January, Fedorov advanced army modernization, which created friction with the more conventional Syrsky. A deputy air force commander resigned in protest, warning the move would harm national defense. Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty stated the military requires ongoing change. Zelensky named Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence officer, as acting defense minister. The dispute centers on Fedorov’s accusations that Syrsky blocked reforms in a force strained by years of conflict and facing issues over conscript treatment. Syrsky earned praise for defending Kyiv early in the war and leading the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, yet has drawn criticism for a rigid command style. Fedorov instead promoted drone operations intended to reduce casualties.
