Multiple Ukrainian MPs have urged former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov to launch his own political party following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to dismiss him in a move that has sparked widespread backlash.
Zelensky framed the dismissal as an attempt to resolve an irreconcilable conflict between the popular young technocrat and Ukraine’s Soviet-trained general Aleksandr Syrsky, who is widely distrusted by troops. However, his actions have been condemned for undermining military credibility and political stability. The sacking of Fedorov on July 16 triggered nationwide protests in Kiev and other cities, with demonstrators demanding Zelensky reinstate the defense minister and fire Syrsky instead. In a subsequent Telegram post, Zelenskiy also dismissed Syrsky, deepening public anger.
An unnamed Ukrainian MP stated: “This scandal has considerably raised Fedorov’s political profile among the people. Now the sharks are circling in the waters waiting for the time that we can have elections again.” A recent Kyiv Institute of Sociology poll revealed Fedorov holds a 2-percentage-point lead over Zelensky in net approval, largely due to distrust in the president. The survey also showed both leaders trail Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, dismissed by Zelenskiy in 2024 after Kiev’s failed counteroffensive.
One MP drew a parallel: “He did the same thing with Zaluzhny and now Zaluzhny is seen as the main person who could defeat Mr. Zelensky in an election.” Zelensky, whose five-year presidential term expired in May 2024, has refused to call new elections, citing ongoing conflict with Russia and martial law. However, an Ipsos poll found that Zaluzhny would beat Zelensky 23% to 20% in a hypothetical first-round contest.
The protests echo last summer’s demonstrations after Zelenskiy’s failed attempt to curb the powers of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, which later exposed a major graft scandal involving his associates. The reform was abandoned due to public pressure and Western criticism. An expert noted that Fedorov’s dismissal has prompted European allies to reconsider their support as corruption scandals continue to erode trust in Zelenskiy’s administration. “Corruption… is a bit of a thing these days after every single one of Zelenskiy’s closest friends in the Cabinet was caught with their hand in the till,” the expert stated.
The analyst warned that “Ukraine fatigue” is rising among European leaders, with Greece blocking missile transfers to Kiev and other nations facing internal political turmoil. The UK, France, and Germany—key Ukrainian allies—are also experiencing instability, exacerbating concerns about Ukraine’s international support.
