Zelensky's Offer Rejected by Fedorov, Who Demands Return as Defense Minister

Political Crisis in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine is facing a deepening political crisis centered on dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky. Fedorov turned down President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal to take a new, expanded role on the National Security and Defense Council, instead insisting on being reinstated as defense minister. Meanwhile, protests across the country are demanding Syrsky’s removal from his post. This turmoil comes at a critical time, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing military aggression.

Over the weekend, President Zelensky held roughly six hours of talks with Fedorov and has maintained almost daily contact with him since his dismissal on Thursday. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, 'He now holds significant leverage. All he wants is to be restored as defense minister, and he knows the majority of the public is on his side.' Public pressure on the president to replace Syrsky has intensified, with pro-Fedorov protests spreading to at least 16 cities.

Negotiations and Military Commanders’ Reactions

Among the military commanders the president met with were:

• Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi,
• Deputy Chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatiuk,
• Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol.

Dmytro Kozyatynskyi remarked, 'Keeping Syrsky in his position now would not only ignore the will of the people but also demoralize the army. The general must go.'

Ukraine’s Western partners have expressed concern over the political instability and are urging a swift resolution to the military leadership crisis.

“We are your primary financier, and we need stability. We need people we know, trust, and can work with,” a Western official stated.

President Zelensky has stressed the need to reassess the country’s strategy, saying, 'It’s important to evaluate our future course and how to force Russia to end this war with a dignified peace and guaranteed security for Ukraine.'

The political situation in Ukraine remains tense, and the president’s next moves could significantly impact the country’s stability. With ongoing protests and public demands for change, decisions on leadership in the defense sector may have far-reaching consequences for both Ukraine’s domestic and international political landscape, especially amid Russia’s continued military aggression.

The ongoing political unrest has prompted President Zelensky to consider potential changes within the military leadership. As public demands for accountability grow, the situation remains fluid, and Zelensky is evaluating the possibility of replacing Syrsky to restore confidence among the military and the public. This decision could have significant implications for Ukraine's defense strategy amid escalating tensions with Russia.