Russian military commentators and pro-war figures have openly celebrated the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, portraying his removal as a strategic mistake that could weaken Kyiv’s technological advantage on the battlefield.
A Russian commentator argued that Fedorov’s emphasis on unmanned systems threatened Moscow by reducing the importance of Russia’s main conventional advantage – its larger pool of manpower.
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Another pro-war voice described the dismissal as a “gift” to Russia, acknowledging that Fedorov had rapidly introduced technologies that complicated Russian military operations.
“If they remove Fedorov from the Defense Ministry, I consider that a plus for us,” the speaker stated, expressing hope that Ukraine’s defense procurement system would return to the corruption and bureaucratic dysfunction that had previously weakened it.
The reaction from Russian pro-war circles underscored the military significance they attached to Fedorov’s technology-focused approach.
Zelensky names Khmara acting defense minister
President Volodymyr Zelensky named Major General Yevhenii Khmara as Ukraine’s acting defense minister on Thursday, following Fedorov’s high-profile dismissal and an unprecedented public confrontation within the country’s wartime leadership.
Khmara moves to the post after serving as acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) since January. He previously commanded the agency’s elite Alpha Special Operations Center and has extensive experience in technological combat and long-range operations.
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Parliamentary confirmation of a permanent defense minister remains pending.
“Alpha consistently ranks first in the monthly results,” Zelensky noted in his Thursday evening address, describing it as the most effective unit in eliminating Russian forces on the battlefield.
Khmara will also coordinate long-range operations across Ukraine’s Security Forces – an area Zelensky identified as a priority. The president argued that Khmara has the experience required to maintain control across the components of the Defense Forces and prevent unspecified “disgraceful incidents.”
Zelensky and newly confirmed Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky have begun discussing the legal procedures required to formalize the appointment, as well as that of an acting foreign minister.
Notably, Zelensky did not mention Ukraine’s mobilization challenges or the demonstrations demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.
The Defense Ministry will continue supporting combat brigades and implementing Kyiv’s campaign of “long-range sanctions” – Ukraine’s term for strikes against targets sustaining Russia’s war effort.
Zelensky said he discussed the plan with Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, who “clearly understands what needs to be done,” and will consult combat commanders on Friday.
Fedorov–Syrsky rift erupts publicly
Earlier Thursday, Fedorov broke wartime political convention by publicly confronting Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.
Fedorov, 35, was dismissed during this week’s government reshuffle after six months as defense minister. He accused Syrsky of blocking initiatives and obstructing military modernization.
The outgoing minister revealed that he had previously asked Zelensky to replace Syrsky but later agreed to try to work with the commander-in-chief.
“We reached a situation where all the initiatives we proposed were blocked,” Fedorov told reporters.
“Instead of working out how to asymmetrically defeat Russia, he has worked out how to split the country,” he charged.
Syrsky issued a brief response thanking Fedorov for his work and urging everyone to remain focused on defeating Russia. He did not directly address the allegations.
Zelensky acknowledged that the two men had failed to establish a workable relationship.
“The president, especially in wartime, should not have to make such a choice,” Zelensky said. “I would very much like there to be unity. The two sides failed to find it. This is not only their problem – it is also mine.”
Fedorov has become a prominent figure among Ukrainians who view domestic drone production, decentralized innovation and rapidly evolving technology as critical to overcoming Russia’s advantages in manpower.
During his tenure, Ukraine expanded drone procurement, introduced a points-based system rewarding battlefield strikes and strengthened its medium- and long-range capabilities.
Syrsky, 60, received his military education in Moscow during the Soviet era. He led the defense of Kyiv and the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive before replacing Valery Zaluzhny as commander-in-chief in February 2024.
What protesters are saying
Fedorov’s dismissal triggered immediate anger on Ukrainian social media before developing into spontaneous demonstrations in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv and other cities.
Kyiv Post estimated that between 5,000 and 7,000 people, many of them young Ukrainians, gathered near Kyiv’s Ivan Franko Theater, close to the Office of the President. Demonstrators chanted “Fedorov,” “Shame” and “If it works, don’t touch it.”
“This is a decisive time for our country, and we need to show the president that we support our defense minister,” one demonstrator told the BBC. “Everyone could see that he was producing the results people expected.”
Another protester pointed to Ukraine’s growing capabilities in drone warfare.
“We currently have an advantage in deep strikes and unmanned systems, and I believe the person responsible for that is Fedorov,” the protester said. “Why, then, is he losing his job?”
Others argued that Fedorov’s emphasis on technological innovation was essential to Ukraine’s ability to prevail against Russia.
The backlash disrupted efforts to install a permanent replacement. Lawmakers did not approve a new defense minister, while Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, previously considered the leading candidate, reportedly withdrew.
Winter security tops Koretsky’s agenda
Beyond the Defense Ministry crisis, Zelensky instructed Koretsky’s new government to make preparations for another winter of Russian attacks its central task.
Parliament confirmed Koretsky as prime minister on Thursday with 289 votes.
Zelensky praised Koretsky’s record leading Ukrnafta and Naftogaz, crediting him with reforming Ukrnafta after years of oligarchic control and helping keep Ukraine supplied with gas through a difficult wartime winter.
“Whatever the scenario, Ukraine must be fully prepared to protect lives, protect its people and ensure that we make it through the winter,” Zelensky stressed.
The president also called for faster implementation of agreements reached with Ukraine’s international partners.
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