On July 26, the 11th mass protest against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov from the post of head of the Ministry of Defense took place in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine. People demanded that the authorities return him to this specific role. There were also calls to replace Vitaliy Kim, the head of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, who previously served as head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration before the government reshuffle.
Correspondents of “Suspilne” reported on peaceful protest actions 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 Theater at 7:00 PM. According to our correspondent, about 150 people participated in the rally.
A rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov in Franko Square, Kyiv, on July 26, 2026. Suspilne News/Honcharuk Lilya
A rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov in Franko Square, Kyiv, on July 26, 2026. Suspilne News/Honcharuk Lilya
Participants in the rally are demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement as Minister of Defense.
A rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov in Franko Square, Kyiv, on July 26, 2026. Suspilne News/Honcharuk Lilya
Mykolaiv
On July 26, Mykolaiv residents gathered for the eleventh consecutive day to protest President Zelensky’s decision not to re-nominate Mykhailo Fedorov for the position of Minister of Defense. 32 people joined the event, as reported by Police Dialogue Inspector Alla Tkachenko.
Participants stated on July 24 that the rallies would continue until their demands were met.
Protesters are sitting on the steps near the city council with banners. Suspilne Mykolaiv/Iryna Olekhnovych
Local resident Tetyana has been attending the rally for the fourth time.
“If something doesn’t suit me as a citizen and as a person, then action must be taken to change it,” the woman says.
Tetyana also believes that the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatiy as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the right decision.
“I am convinced by the fact that my acquaintances in the military, not officers, but ordinary soldiers, express their respect for Drapatiy as the current Commander-in-Chief. I tend to believe them, so I have a positive attitude towards this decision.”
A banner reading “Responsibility doesn’t go on vacation” at a protest in Mykolaiv on July 26. Suspilne Mykolaiv/Iryna Olekhnovych
People are also chanting: “Ministry of Veterans – for veterans.”
Participant Yelyzaveta says she came to the rally to support the return of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense and to protest against the appointment of Vitaliy Kim as Minister of Veterans Affairs.
“I believe that the Minister of Veterans Affairs should be a veteran, someone who has gone through it all and understands veterans better. We will continue to come and support peaceful protests for as long as it takes.”
Dnipro
In Dnipro, about 30 participants in a rally supporting Fedorov unfurled the Ukrainian flag and observed a moment of silence to honor those who died as a result of the Russian Federation’s armed aggression.
A rally for the return of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense, Dnipro, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Dnipro
Olha with her banner at the protest, Dnipro, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Dnipro
One of the participants, Olha, shared that she has only missed two days of the rallies in total, having attended 10 protests, and even went twice on the first day.
“I attend because I want Fedorov to be reinstated. I’ve read many positive things about him and seen the results of his work: how something unfortunate happened to everyone in Russia. I also read that he saved a lot of money on Ministry of Defense procurement. And I want this to continue. He is the best Minister of Defense I have seen,” the woman stated.
Protester Yelyzaveta. Suspilne Dnipro
According to Yelyzaveta, whose father is in the military, she attends the rally to voice her stance, even if not every day.
“So that people are heard, and foolish decisions are not made. My father mentioned that both former Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Fedorov visited his unit. It was night and day… This angered me. Therefore, I stand, one might say, for my father too. Fedorov should hold the position of Minister of Defense. He is young and he acts,” she said.
The young woman came with a box labeled “Rally pay,” containing various treats and even buckwheat. She added that this was her way of supporting the protesters and mocking those who claim the protests are paid.
Residents of Dnipro continue to demand Fedorov’s return to the post of Minister of Defense. Suspilne Dnipro
Khmelnytskyi
In Khmelnytskyi, people also gathered to express their disagreement with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision not to re-nominate Fedorov for the position of Minister of Defense.
People gathered for a rally in support of Mykhailo Fedorov, July 26, 2026, Khmelnytskyi. Suspilne Khmelnytskyi
Protesters chant “Ukraine is not a sovok” and “Fighting with drones, not blood,” July 26, 2026, Khmelnytskyi. Suspilne Khmelnytskyi
Protester Anastasiya shared that she joined the rally today because she believes Mykhailo Fedorov was effective in his position at the ministry.
“Today is probably the eleventh day of protests. I’ve been here almost every day, every evening. Essentially, the second demand – Fedorov’s return – has not yet been met. This is a person who, in six months in this role, has accomplished more than most ministers who have held their positions for years. We received the guarantee voucher. Secondly, the development in the direction of drone procurement began. He introduced tender procurements, making them more transparent. The person has a specific strategy for winning this war. There is communication with the military. First and foremost, the military provides feedback that they see results from his work.”
People brought cardboard signs with slogans to the rally, July 26, 2026, Khmelnytskyi. Suspilne Khmelnytskyi
Ivano-Frankivsk
In Ivano-Frankivsk, about fifty people gathered in the square near the administration building. They held signs calling for Fedorov’s return to his post.
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Fedorov, Ivano-Frankivsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Ivano-Frankivsk
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Fedorov, Ivano-Frankivsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Ivano-Frankivsk/Vasyl Vasylyuk
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Fedorov, Ivano-Frankivsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Ivano-Frankivsk/Vasyl Vasylyuk
Dariya Hryshko, originally from Myrhorod, has attended almost every rally in Ivano-Frankivsk. She was forced to leave her hometown due to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Protester Dariya Hryshko, Ivano-Frankivsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Ivano-Frankivsk/Vasyl Vasylyuk
“It’s hard to believe in changes if effective people are removed from their posts, those who gave us hope. One can recall the Starlink initiatives, the operation to ‘cut off’ Crimea’s logistics, so we have come here today to bring back an effective Minister of Defense who gave us action, not just words,” said Dariya Hryshko.
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Fedorov, Ivano-Frankivsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Ivano-Frankivsk
Uzhhorod
In Uzhhorod, for the eleventh consecutive day, citizens have gathered for a peaceful rally against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov from the post of Minister of Defense. About 30 people joined the protest.
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Uzhhorod, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Uzhhorod/Serhiy Chernysov
Volodymyr, a second-year student at Uzhhorod National University, originally from Vinnytsia, says he has been attending protest rallies since the first day.
“I disagree with what is happening in the country now. Syrskyi’s dismissal is not a reason to stop. We need to bring back Fedorov because things were better with his reforms. And it will be much better if he returns,” said Volodymyr.
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Uzhhorod, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Uzhhorod/Serhiy Chernysov
Marianna attends the peaceful rallies daily. She is also one of the co-organizers of the rallies in Uzhhorod in support of the former Minister of Defense, Fedorov.
A rally in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Uzhhorod, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Uzhhorod/Serhiy Chernysov
“Why did I come out? The answer is simple for me – I come out because I want to live. Especially considering the news we are receiving. Yesterday, the president wrote that Russia plans to mobilize in the fall, and North Korea announced its intention to send its troops and weapons. Against the backdrop of such statements, the Ministry of Defense, which is one of the most crucial now, should be led by professionals. As of today, Fedorov is such a professional. In these 6 months, he not only understood what was happening but also changed the procurement system, eliminated corrupt schemes, and shifted processes to a competitive basis. Moreover, he has a plan several steps ahead, and this is a great chance for Ukraine. I cannot imagine how it can be wasted now in the face of such threats,” said Marianna.
Lutsk
In Lutsk, participants in the rally demanded for the eleventh time that President Zelensky reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov at the Ministry of Defense.
A rally in support of Fedorov in Lutsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Lutsk
A rally in support of Fedorov in Lutsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Lutsk
At the beginning of the peaceful rally, participants observed a moment of silence in memory of all civilians and military personnel fallen in the Russian-Ukrainian war and sang the Ukrainian national anthem.
A rally in support of Fedorov in Lutsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Lutsk
Protesters in Lutsk march along Lesya Ukrainka Boulevard in support of Fedorov, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Lutsk
People gathered in the city center with cardboard signs reading “Exchange prisoners, not Fedorov,” “Power is the people,” “Bring back an effective MoD,” and chanted “Deputies to work.”
A rally in support of Fedorov in Lutsk, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Lutsk
Protesters in Lutsk march along Lesya Ukrainka Street in support of Fedorov, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Lutsk
Cherkasy
In Cherkasy, residents also gathered at Soborna Square with the demand to reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
Cherkasy residents gathered at Soborna Square to support Mykhailo Fedorov. Suspilne Cherkasy/Anna Ishchenko
Cherkasy residents gathered at Soborna Square to support Mykhailo Fedorov. Suspilne Cherkasy/Viktoria Budavitska
The event began with a moment of silence in memory of those fallen in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Cherkasy residents at a protest rally. Suspilne Cherkasy/Anna Ishchenko
Cherkasy women at a protest rally. Suspilne Cherkasy/Viktoria Budavitska
Residents chanted “Listening to the people is not a weakness,” “We stood, we stand, and we will stand,” “Fedorov – Minister of Defense.” Cars passing by honked in support of the protesters.
Cherkasy residents gathered at Soborna Square. Suspilne Cherkasy/Viktoria Budavitska
Cherkasy residents at a protest rally. Suspilne Cherkasy/Viktoria Budavitska
Lviv
On July 26, Lviv residents once again gathered for a peaceful rally demanding Mykhailo Fedorov’s reinstatement as Minister of Defense. This time, they held a procession through the central streets of the city.
Protesters in Lviv organized a march demanding Fedorov’s return to his post. Suspilne Lviv
In the evening, protesters gathered near the monument to Shevchenko on Svobody Avenue, after which they began their march. The coordinator of the peaceful rally, Oleh Lysyy, noted that their main goal is to draw attention to the unresolved issue regarding the Minister of Defense.
“This is the main goal of today’s rally – to draw public attention to an issue that is perhaps starting to fade, to remind everyone that the problem still exists, that we still do not have an appointed Minister of Defense. Yes, we have an acting minister, but we still want to hear explanations as to why Minister of Defense Fedorov was dismissed,” said the rally coordinator.
Protesters in Lviv organized a march demanding Fedorov’s return to his post. Suspilne Lviv/Ivanka Dusko
The participants first proceeded to the Garrison Church, then walked to Rynok Square. The column then moved towards the Dominican Church, to the monument of Fedorovych, passed by the Lviv Regional Military Administration, and returned.
According to Oleh Lysyy, the main demands of the protesters remain unchanged – to reinstate Fedorov or, at the very least, to provide an adequate explanation for his dismissal. They also want clarification on why Vitaliy Kim represents the interests of veterans in the Cabinet of Ministers.
He added that the rally is indefinite, meaning residents will gather in the square again tomorrow, July 27.
Kharkiv
On Sunday, July 26, about 180 people gathered on Freedom Square demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement as head of the Ministry of Defense.
People with banners at a rally against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, Kharkiv, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Kharkiv/David Nadvorny
Shamsiyya Musaeva, a Kharkiv resident, comes to Freedom Square every day. The young woman says she sees it as her civic duty.
Protester Shamsiyya Musaeva, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Kharkiv/David Nadvorny
“Fedorov equals common sense, equals victory – this can be written indefinitely, every day I had different signs, but my main message is that society has not received an answer as to why Minister Fedorov had to leave. When a person is dismissed without any explanation – an effective minister – then there are questions. I want the minister who was effective, who showed truly great results, who worked for only six months, to continue the course he set. He gave us hope, so we want to see him specifically,” says Musaeva.
Protester Oleksiy Fesenko, July 26, 2026. Suspilne Kharkiv/David Nadvorny
Protester Oleksiy Fesenko has attended the rallies four times. The man says people will continue to protest until the authorities meet their demands and make personnel decisions transparent.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he had offered Fedorov “a dignified position in power that would allow us to unite the technological component of our state.”
On July 23, he mentioned that he had offered the former head of the Ministry of Defense the position of Vice Prime Minister for Military Innovations and stated that “Mykhailo is on the team.”
Government Reshuffle
On July 12, Zelensky announced a reshuffle of the Cabinet of Ministers and personnel changes among law enforcement agency heads as part of Ukraine’s new political strategy. He proposed that Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko lead a new initiative in relations with a key partner.
At the time, sources in the Office of the President informed Suspilne that her resignation was justified by the need to replace the Ambassador of Ukraine to the US. However, our sources later reported that Svyrydenko had not yet accepted the offer to head the Ukrainian embassy in Washington.
On July 13, it became known that she had submitted a resignation letter, which was supported by the Verkhovna Rada the following day. Consequently, all ministers in Svyrydenko’s government remained as acting ministers until new appointments by the parliament.
On July 15, members of the “Servant of the People” faction, after a meeting with Zelensky, informed Suspilne that the president would propose Ihor Klymenko, who headed the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Svyrydenko’s government, for the position of Minister of Defense.
At the same time, Fedorov confirmed that he was leaving his post as Minister of Defense. Amidst this, people in Kyiv and several other cities took to the streets for peaceful protests with the slogan “Bring back Fedorov.” These protests have been ongoing for over a week.
On July 16, Zelensky announced that he had instructed Yevhen Khmara, acting head of the SBU, to perform the duties of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
Source: suspilne.media