The decision by President Volodymyr Zelensky not to re-appoint Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine's Defence Minister has sparked a storm of controversy within Ukraine's military ranks, with soldiers expressing outrage and frustration at what they perceive as a betrayal of their trust. The BBC reports that protests erupted across the country on Thursday following the announcement, underscoring a growing sense of disillusionment among Ukrainians with the current political leadership.
Fedorov's departure has been met with incredulity by many service members, who credit him with transforming Ukraine's military capabilities through his innovative approach to digital transformation. As Minister for Digital Transformation, Fedorov spearheaded initiatives that have accelerated the deployment of drones and advanced technologies, significantly bolstering Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression. One wounded soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity, voiced deep concern that if Fedorov is not reinstated, 'everything I was fighting for will be for naught.'
Many soldiers perceive Fedorov's removal as a slap in the face to their sacrifices and a blow to morale. A servicewoman identified by the BBC only as 'Maryna', who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as 'almost impossible to put into words without bursting into anger.' She also expressed cynicism about the impact of the protests, suggesting that 'a de facto dictatorship is unfolding here,' with 'petty tyrants' at the helm.
The BBC's reporting suggests that soldiers are reluctant to speak openly about the political changes, with some doing so only under strict anonymity, amid reports that army chiefs have warned against engaging in political debate. Despite the perceived distance between frontline brutality and public protests, there is clear admiration for Fedorov's achievements, including his 'Army of Drones: Bonus' scheme, which incentivised units to destroy Russian equipment and personnel, accelerating procurement and innovation.
However, the military's top-down structure, largely inherited from the Soviet era, has also been highlighted as a source of friction. Some soldiers believe Fedorov faced significant obstacles from what they describe as 'old fossils' within the command. Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, once hailed as a national hero, is now reportedly viewed by some as embodying an outdated fighting style that disregards human lives, earning him derogatory nicknames such as 'General 200' or 'The Butcher.' Conversely, other military personnel defend Syrskyi, acknowledging his Soviet background but asserting his irreplaceable calibre and successful command of key operations throughout the conflict.