Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked widespread criticism after announcing plans to replace Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, prompting protests in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities.

Hundreds of mostly young demonstrators gathered in the capital carrying signs that read “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory”, while chanting “Shame!” in response to the unexpected leadership change.

By Thursday evening, Zelensky nominated Maj Gen Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), to serve as acting defence minister. The president praised Khmara’s experience in technological combat operations, describing it as both extensive and unprecedented.

The announcement followed growing reports of disagreements between Fedorov and Ukraine’s military leadership. Fedorov confirmed that he had advised Zelensky to replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.

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Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelensky acknowledged long-running tensions between the defence ministry and the General Staff. He described the disagreements as systemic and said both sides had struggled to work together without presidential mediation.

Fedorov said he had accepted Zelensky’s decision not to replace Syrskyi but claimed that military leaders later blocked every reform initiative proposed by his ministry.

He criticised Syrskyi for dividing the country instead of focusing on innovative strategies to counter Russia’s military campaign.

Syrskyi responded briefly on Telegram, saying he remained proud of Ukraine’s defence of Kyiv in 2022 and would continue focusing on the war while wishing Fedorov success.

Appointed in January, the 35-year-old Fedorov earned praise for accelerating defence reforms, strengthening anti-corruption efforts and introducing data-driven systems to improve battlefield performance.

Parliament had been expected to vote on appointing Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as the new defence minister. However, Zelensky later said Klymenko was only one of several candidates under consideration and that no formal nomination had been submitted.

The reshuffle also saw parliament approve the appointment of former state energy chief Serhiy Koretsky as Ukraine’s new prime minister following Yuliia Svyrydenko’s resignation earlier this week.

Fedorov revealed that Zelensky had offered him an advisory role, but he declined. He stressed that he was acting according to his conscience and remained confident the president would resolve the dispute.

The decision has drawn strong reactions from both soldiers and civilians.

“This is the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency,” one Ukrainian soldier told the BBC, adding that he joined the military because he trusted Fedorov’s leadership and reform agenda.

Another protester in central Kyiv said many Ukrainians supported Fedorov because they had seen tangible improvements in military motivation and defence management.

Responding to the demonstrations, Zelensky said he understood public concerns and was listening carefully to society’s views.

Before becoming defence minister, Fedorov served as Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation. During Russia’s full-scale invasion, he helped establish the IT Army of Ukraine, led the Army of Drones fundraising campaign and introduced technology-based initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.