Day Two of Fedorov Protests Sees Hundreds Rally Across Ukraine

Protests in support of outgoing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spread to several Ukrainian cities on Friday, July 17, with demonstrators calling for his reinstatement and criticizing the president’s decision to remove him.

According to local media, hundreds of people gathered in Kyiv, while smaller rallies were held in Lutsk, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Ternopil.

In Kyiv, protesters assembled on Ivan Franko Square, chanting slogans including “Hands off Fedorov,” “The government is the people,” “Syrsky is out,” and “Deputies – to work.”

Participants said they expected larger crowds later in the evening and pledged to continue protesting until the authorities responded.

According to KYIV24 outlet, demonstrators argued that Fedorov’s dismissal had been made without public consultation. They said he had earned public trust through his support for the military and criticized the Verkhovna Rada for failing to explain the decision.

Among those attending the Kyiv rally were relatives of servicemen, who said they had come to voice the concerns of soldiers serving on the front line.

In Lutsk, more than 50 people gathered for a second consecutive day on Teatralny Maidan, according to Suspilne. Veterans were among the demonstrators, who called for the swift appointment of a new defense minister and demanded that the Verkhovna Rada return from its legislative recess.

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In Poltava, around 20 people staged a third protest against Fedorov’s dismissal, chanting slogans demanding lawmakers return from vacation and calling for the former minister’s reinstatement.

In Mykolaiv, demonstrators gathered outside the city council building before marching along Soborna Street while chanting in support of Fedorov, Suspilne reported.

Meanwhile, in Ternopil, protesters gathered outside the Regional Military Administration for a second day, according to local outlet 20 Minutes. Demonstrators brought handmade posters, pets, and young children, including a seven-month-old baby.

Their signs carried messages such as “I support Fedorov,” “Bring Fedorov back,” “Exchange prisoners, not Fedorov,” and “I hate the system that works against me.” Passing motorists reportedly honked their horns in support of the rally.

The demonstrations follow similar protests held in several Ukrainian cities on July 16 after President Volodymyr Zelensky did not nominate Fedorov as defense minister in the newly formed government cabinet following Yuliia Svyrydenko’s resignation as prime minister.