Demonstrators called for the continuation of reforms, the reinstatement of former Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov – who is widely associated with the reform agenda pursued during his tenure – and greater government accountability.
Hundreds of police officers and several police vehicles accompanied the march, as protesters chanted: “listening to the people is strength,” “glory to the heroes,” and “corruption kills.”
Participants described Fedorov’s dismissal as a fatal mistake by the authorities, arguing that the decision served the interests of groups opposed to further reforms.
Many motorists traveling in the opposite direction honked their horns in support, while hundreds of pedestrians in central Kyiv joined the demonstration.
Despite ongoing protests, reports suggest that President Volodymyr Zelensky is unwilling to reinstate Fedorov. Instead, he offered him the role of “deputy prime minister for military innovations” on July 23 – an offer Fedorov reportedly turned down.