Protests in Support of Fedorov Break Out Again in Kyiv, Lviv, and Lutsk
On July 16, rallies in support of Mykhailo Fedorov took place for the second time that day in Kyiv, Lviv, and Lutsk, following reports of his resignation as defense minister. Participants called on the authorities to continue the reforms that have already begun and to transparently select new leadership for the Ministry of Defense.
Protests took place in several cities across Ukraine, and in some locations, people gathered again in the evening. According to Ukrainian media reports, the rallies took place, in particular, in Kyiv, Lviv, and Lutsk. In the capital, people gathered at Ivan Franko Square. Participants held signs, chanted slogans in support of Fedorov, and demanded that the Verkhovna Rada resume its work and address the issue of the Ministry of Defense’s leadership. “Bring Fedorov Back,” read some of the signs.
In Lviv, the rally also lasted several hours. People spoke about the importance of continuing to modernize the army and developing technologies and digital services in the defense sector. Similar demands were voiced in Lutsk, where participants emphasized the need for transparent personnel decisions. The protests were sparked by reports that Mykhailo Fedorov would not be renominated for the position of defense minister during the formation of the new government. According to media reports, this is what sparked a wave of calls for protests on social media. “We want the reforms to continue,” said the rally participants.
Organizers and participants emphasized that they are primarily advocating for the continuation of reforms within the Ministry of Defense. Among their main demands are the modernization of management, the development of defense technologies, and transparent personnel decisions. As of the evening of July 16, no official information regarding the final appointment of the new defense minister had been released. The authorities did not publicly comment on the demands of the participants in the evening protests.
According to reports from Ukrainian and international media, similar protests took place that day in other cities across the country. They were peaceful, and there were no reports of serious incidents or arrests during the rallies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that he does not expect any significant changes in Kyiv’s strategy following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov and the appointment of a new head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The Alliance’s leader noted his good working relationship with the former minister and expressed confidence that his successor would continue the current course and ensure continuity in the management of the defense ministry.
