Kozyatynsky called for a protest in Kyiv demanding Fedorov's reinstatement as defense minister
Veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi called for a rally to be held in Kyiv on July 24 demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as defense minister. He proposes that the protest begin at 8:00 p.m. on Ivan Franko Square, and in other cities—in their central squares.
Koziatynsky announced this on social media, according to “Ukrainska Pravda.” According to him, participants plan to take to the streets every day and continue the protest until the authorities respond to the public’s demands. He also stated that he has already submitted a notice to the Kyiv City State Administration regarding the rally on July 24.
“We must not forget the second demand of the protest—to reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense. The Ministry needs reforms, and with Syrskyi’s dismissal, the conflict between the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff has disappeared, so I see no reason not to reinstate Fedorov,” Kozyatynskyi wrote.
Earlier, on July 16, rallies in support of Acting Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov took place in Kyiv near the Office of the President and in other cities. Participants called on the authorities to reinstate him as defense minister in the new government. According to “Ukrainska Pravda,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered Fedorov various positions within the government, including the post of deputy prime minister for technological development.
On July 22, Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy became Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while Oleksandr Syrskyi was relieved of that position. On July 16, Zelenskyy also announced his intention to propose to parliament that Yevhen Khmara be appointed Minister of Defense; on the president’s instructions, he is to serve as acting head of the ministry.
