On July 25, Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine witnessed the tenth consecutive mass protest against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as Minister of Defence. Demonstrators demanded the authorities reinstate him in this specific role. Furthermore, there were calls to replace the head of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Vitaliy Kim, who served as the head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration before the government reshuffle.
Suspilne correspondents reported on the peaceful demonstrations in the Ukrainian capital and several other cities.
Kyiv
In Kyiv, people began to gather in the square near the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre at 7:00 PM. According to our correspondent, initially, there were no more than a hundred people, but the number of protesters gradually increased.
The commencement of a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Kyiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne News/Nikita Halka
In addition to demands for Fedorov’s reinstatement as Minister of Defence, there were also calls for the replacement of the head of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Vitaliy Kim, who held the position of head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration prior to the government’s renewal.
A cardboard figure of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a protest, Kyiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne News/Nikita Halka
One protester, identifying herself as Tetiana, stated that she has been attending the rallies daily since July 16. The woman explained that for the past two months, she had been personally inspired by “achievements on the front lines” and long-range strikes against the Russian Federation, which, she claimed, “opened the eyes of many Russians” and made them realize that the war had reached their doorstep.
“I heard that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed (Mykhailo) Fedorov from his post. It outraged me immensely, as it did most people. […] It felt like hope was truly extinguished. As if you’re starting to climb, seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s simply put out. And by whom? By the President, who is supposed to support all of this,” she said, explaining her motivation for participating in the protests.
People during a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Kyiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne News/Nikita Halka
Later, the crowd significantly grew. Our correspondent estimated their number to be over 500. They chanted slogans such as: “Fedorov – Drapatiy, we cannot be defeated,” “No holidays in war,” “Standing for those who stand for us there,” and “Deputies to work.”
People during a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Kyiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne News/Nikita Halka
Another participant, Viktor, believes that Fedorov and his team could have “taken a step towards mobilization” to improve the societal and overall military situation.
“So that people, well, at least stop running and hiding. We don’t need to be ‘bus-captured’; we will come willingly. But looking at what’s happening in the army, it’s getting worse, and we won’t win the war this way, we might lose it,” the man said, adding that he hopes these rallies will help “reach” Zelenskyy.
People during a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Kyiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne News/Nikita Halka
Mykolaiv
Residents of Mykolaiv also joined a protest against Fedorov’s dismissal. They do not see any other suitable candidate for the position of Minister of Defence and believe that the former official should have been given more time to implement reforms.
One of the rally participants, Valentyn, stated that the citizens would continue to protest daily until the authorities responded to their demands.
“Our primary demand is the return of Mykhailo Fedorov and his team to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the return of those individuals who have been successfully performing their duties there for six months and who will continue to do so. Currently, we see his main work – which is precisely the fight against corruption in the Ministry of Defence,” he said.
Another protester, who identified herself as Svitlana, noted that the public is dissatisfied with the appointment of the former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, Vitaliy Kim, as Minister for Veterans Affairs.
“Regarding Vitaliy Kim’s position as Minister for Veterans Affairs. We are also not satisfied with this, because, in my personal opinion, such a post in our times should be held by a person who, firstly, has experience and the necessary skills,” the woman explained.
People during a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Mykolaiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne Mykolaiv/Nazar Rubaniak
Dnipro
Residents of Dnipro also gathered for a rally. Their demands remain the same – to reinstate Fedorov as Minister of Defence.
Artem has attended the rally for the tenth time. He stated that he participates in the protests because he awaits a response from the authorities and a change in their decision.
“I believe that important positions should be held by qualified individuals with skills, who, through years of work, prove their ability to perform their duties and achieve results necessary for Ukraine. I consider Fedorov’s dismissal to be completely undeserved; there was no adequate reason for it. We would like this decision to be reversed. Unfortunately, we now see that the authorities are not paying attention to the opinions of citizens. Therefore, we will continue to come out,” he said.
People during a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Dnipro, July 25, 2026. Suspilne Dnipro
Lviv
In turn, Lviv residents have joined the peaceful demonstration for the tenth consecutive day, demanding the authorities reinstate Fedorov to his previous position.
According to the rally coordinator, Bohdan Yurkiv, yesterday, July 25, an indefinite protest was announced. This means participants will gather daily on Svobody Avenue for several hours to voice their stance.
“I would like to remind you that to this day, we do not have a Minister of Defence, a head of the Security Service, or a Minister of Foreign Affairs who is legitimate and approved by the Verkhovna Rada. Our main demands are for the President to immediately submit candidacies for Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and head of the SBU to the parliament. Our demands to the parliament are to convene immediately and approve these candidacies,” the activist stated.
People during a peaceful protest against Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Minister of Defence, Lviv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne Lviv
Kharkiv
Residents of Kharkiv also demanded Fedorov’s return to his post. Their placards featured a new slogan: “There is one Mykhailo, now we need a second.” The public evidently refers to Mykhailo Drapatiy, whom Zelenskyy appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Yurii Zhurba, a Kharkiv resident, participated in the rally for the first time. The man claimed to have been involved in protests since 2004, starting with the “Orange Revolution.”
“I realized that if Drapatiy were chosen and they said: ‘Well, please calm down now. You don’t need to come out anymore, it’s enough.’ But that’s not sufficient, because we need a tandem – Fedorov and Drapatiy. This is the only way I see to accelerate the end of this bloody war,” he stated.
Yurii Zhurba at a protest against Fedorov’s dismissal, Kharkiv, July 25, 2026. Suspilne Kharkiv/Vyacheslav Mavrichev
Where else people held protests
With similar demands to the authorities, Ukrainians participated in protest rallies on July 25 in Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Uzhhorod.
Source: suspilne.media