Head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, said that public concerns over the resignation of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had been acknowledged, urging Ukrainians to remain calm as the government works to resolve the situation.
In a post on Telegram on Monday, July 20, Budanov said the wave of protests reflected citizens’ engagement rather than division.
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“The situation surrounding the recent internal changes has caused strong emotions. I understand the people who are expressing their position. Indifference is not who we are – civic engagement has held our state together throughout these years. The position of society has been heard,” he wrote.
Budanov said the situation was being handled “professionally, constructively, and in the interests of the state.”
“I ask everyone to remain calm. Discussion is a normal part of a free country. It is important that it continues peacefully, without provocations that could harm national security,” Budanov emphasized.
He also called on Ukrainians to reject hatred, warning that Russia is closely monitoring every internal dispute in Ukraine and “is waiting for us to start fighting among ourselves.”
“I will tell our enemies directly: you will not get your wish. Let us focus on our shared victory. Ukraine will emerge from this situation even stronger. Work is underway, and there will be results,” Budanov added.
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Zelensky holds series of meetings with military leadership
Budanov’s remarks came as President Volodymyr Zelensky continued consultations with Ukraine’s senior military leadership following several days of protests over Fedorov’s dismissal.
On Monday, Zelensky met with Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatiuk, Third Army Corps Commander Andriy Biletsky, Khartiia Corps Commander Ihor Obolensky, Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol, and Azov Corps Commander Denys Prokopenko.
The president described his meeting with Horbatiuk as meaningful.
“We discussed Ukraine’s defense strategy and the details of cooperation with our partners. We are accelerating the implementation of supply agreements.”
Zelensky also commented on his meeting with Drapatyi, saying they had discussed a wide range of issues.
“It is important that the experience of all components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine is applied in a coordinated manner,” he said.
Zelensky reported on his meeting with Biletsky, writing:
“As always, the report on the situation in his sector was thorough. I also appreciate his broader assessment of Ukraine’s prospects on the battlefield and the overall strategy.”
During his meeting with Obolensky, Zelensky thanked him for the development of the Khartiia Corps. They also discussed key issues that require additional solutions.
“The technological capabilities of Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces, as well as the widest possible use of drones of all types, remain a key priority.”
Commenting on his meeting with Apostol, Zelensky said the Air Assault Forces continue to deliver the results Ukraine needs.
“I am also grateful for his assessment of the broader situation on the front line and the key threats facing Ukraine,” the president added.
Zelensky also reported on what he described as a highly substantive conversation with Prokopenko.
“Thank you for your consistently well-prepared work and attention to detail. It is important that every adjustment to our defense strategy is carefully calculated and verified. We are also working to ensure further prisoner exchanges. We remember our people.”
The meetings followed a series of consultations held on July 17-18 with commanders of multiple army corps and unmanned systems units.
The Financial Times previously reported that Zelensky was considering dismissing Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky amid large-scale protests that began after Fedorov’s resignation. According to the report, replacing Syrsky is seen as a possible way to resolve what has become the biggest crisis in Ukraine’s military leadership during Zelensky’s presidency.
On July 18, Ukrainska Pravda outlet, citing sources in the Defense Forces, reported that Zelensky did not discuss Syrsky or any potential candidates to replace him during two days of online consultations with corps commanders.
Later that day, Zelensky said he had held a lengthy conversation with Fedorov and had also spoken separately with Syrsky.
On July 16, Zelensky announced that Yevhen Khmara, who previously headed the Security Servise of Ukraine (SBU) Alpha Special Operations Center, would serve as defense minister in the new government of Serhii Koretskyi.
Protests demanding Syrsky’s resignation as commander-in-chief and Fedorov’s reinstatement as defense minister were held in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities on July 16, 17, 18, and 19.
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