About 500 people are rallying again near the Presidential Office
On Friday evening, about 500 people gathered near the Office of the President of Ukraine. The protesters are demanding that the authorities engage in dialogue, present a clear action plan and a vision for reforms, and are speaking out against corruption in the defense sector while expressing support for former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Separately, a silent vigil was held in the square to honor those who have died in the war.
On Friday evening, another rally is taking place on Ivan Franko Square near the Office of the President. According to a correspondent for “Ukrainska Pravda” on the scene, about 500 people have joined the protest. Protesters are calling on the authorities to engage in dialogue with the public and clearly explain the country’s future course of action. Their demands also include a concrete vision for reforms.
A separate focus of the protest is the situation in the defense sector. People are speaking out against corruption and emphasizing the need for the effective use of resources during the war. Protesters are also expressing support for former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
What slogans are being chanted at the rally?
Protesters are chanting various slogans, addressing government officials directly. Among them:
- “Drones, not people”;
- “The people are the government”;
- “Fedorov—Minister of Defense of Ukraine”;
- “Servant of the People, come out to the people.”
People are also holding signs and posters with appeals to the authorities. In this way, the participants are trying to draw attention to their demands and compel the country’s leadership to engage in dialogue with them. The protest is taking place near the Office of the President, so participants are effectively addressing the authorities directly from the center of Kyiv.
A silent memorial vigil was held near the Office of the President
A separate part of the rally was a silent vigil in honor of those who died in the war. Participants emphasize that the deceased can no longer speak for themselves about their demands to the country’s leadership. Therefore, those present decided to speak symbolically on their behalf.
Various items, candles, and signs with messages were placed in the fountain basin on the square. They serve as a reminder of the lives cut short by the war, as well as the plans, dreams, and simple human aspirations that the deceased never had the chance to fulfill.
Among the messages, one can see: “I didn’t get to see the world.” “I didn’t get to say I love you.” “I didn’t get to become a mother.” These words have become a distinct part of the event. Instead of traditional political slogans, they speak of the people who died and of the fact that behind the statistics of loss lie families, relationships, and unfulfilled plans.
What the Participants Are Demanding
The protesters’ main demand is dialogue with the government. People want clear answers regarding the country’s leadership’s next steps and reform plans. Another important issue is the fight against corruption in the defense sector. Protesters emphasize that during a full-scale war, the effectiveness of government decisions and the use of resources are particularly important.
The protesters also support Mykhailo Fedorov and are demanding that the authorities listen to their position. The protest is currently ongoing. People remain on Franko Square, chanting their slogans, holding signs, and participating in a silent vigil in memory of the fallen.
Near the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Kyiv, on August 5, the protest—related to personnel changes at the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov as head of the defense ministry—has continued for the 21consecutive day, a protest has been taking place near the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Kyiv, related to personnel changes at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as head of the defense ministry.
