Budanov called on Ukrainians to remain united following the protests over Fedorov's resignation
Following the mass protests triggered by Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation as defense minister, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, called on Ukrainians not to lose their unity and stressed that internal disputes must not weaken the country during the war.
According to Budanov, Ukrainians have the right to openly express their views and ask the government difficult questions. He noted that active public debate is a sign of a mature civil society, and that freedom of speech remains one of the key values for which Ukraine is fighting.
“Today’s discussions about public administration prove once again that our society is not indifferent, and every word spoken by a citizen matters. This is the very freedom for which we are fighting,” he wrote.
At the same time, the head of the Presidential Office emphasized that any discussions should strengthen the state, not weaken it. According to him, Ukrainians must not allow emotions, personal sympathies, or disagreements to undermine the country’s greatest strength—unity.
“We have no right to allow emotions or disputes to weaken our greatest strength—unity,” Budanov noted.
He also emphasized that all of society’s efforts must be directed toward achieving a common goal—victory over the Russian aggressor. In his view, Ukrainians can debate and defend their own views, but at the same time must remain united.
Budanov recalled that it was precisely the solidarity of Ukrainians that helped stop the Russian invasion at the start of the full-scale war.
“We stopped the enemy’s onslaught by demonstrating unprecedented unity to the occupiers and the entire world. We must preserve this unity: civil society, parliament, the President, the government, and the security and defense forces. Let’s work together. With a cool head and a warm heart. The future of the next generations depends on our sense of responsibility today. Ukraine will prevail,” he emphasized.
He wrote about this on his Telegram channel.
As a reminder, the Kremlin reacted to the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that, in Moscow’s view, personnel changes in the Ukrainian defense ministry are of no fundamental significance.
The Verkhovna Rada received a submission from Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi regarding the appointment of the new Cabinet of Ministers. This was announced by Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.
On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada approved the new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, headed by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi. The decision was supported by 264 members of parliament.
