Kyiv Protests Grow: Calls to Reinstate Fedorov and Oust Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief

Protests have reignited with renewed intensity in central Kyiv. Around 10,000 people gathered in the square near the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre. The protesters demanded that technological reforms in the military continue and called for the immediate dismissal of Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, General Oleksandr Syrsky.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Protesters in front of the Presidential Office building, which can be seen to the rear. (Photo by Sergii Kostezh/Kyiv Post) Following the first mass demonstration involving several thousand people demanding the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov to the Ministry of Defense, the focus of the protests has shifted somewhat over the past two days. Protesters hold placards with statements such as: “You’re gonna be killed in captivity or by Syrsky” and “We are not fools” (Photo by Sergii Kostezh/Kyiv Post) After Fedorov’s remarks about Syrsky, whom he alleged had, together with the military bureaucracy, blocked the reforms and changes that Fedorov had sought to implement, members of the military began supporting the protests. Other Topics of Interest Fedorov is emerging as a challenger to Zelensky | Bohdan Nahaylo he recent dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlights a strategic disagreement over military modernization, sparking public protests and a broader government reshuffle. Hundreds of service members have since openly criticized what they describe as the military’s outdated practices on social media. For them, Syrsky – 59, and widely perceived as representing the classical military doctrine of the 20th century – has come to symbolize that approach. People call to stop the “sovok” (old-soviet style of rule) and proceed with reforms headed by Fedorov. “I want to have a future” demands a protestor calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement (Photo by Sergii Kostezh/Kyiv Post) Protestors view Syrsky as a conservative figure who, in their opinion, is slowing reforms and preventing younger officers from advancing through the ranks. The difference from previous days is that now many veterans are taking part in the protests. “Bullshit” (Photo by Sergii Kostezh/Kyiv Post) Sergii Kostezh is a Kyiv Post Special Correspondent. He has worked for various Ukrainian TV channels as a reporter from the field and war zone.