In Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine, rallies have begun in support of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who, as became known the day before, will resign.

In the Ukrainian capital, participants gathered in Ivan Franko Square. The demonstration was announced by veteran and former combat medic Dmytro Kozyatynskyi, Suspilne writes. People came with placards, chanting “Bring Fedorov back,” “Shame,” and “Syrskyi resign.”

Rallies have also begun in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, Uzhhorod, Dnipro, Ternopil, and Odesa.

Amid Fedorov’s impending resignation, Colonel Pavlo Yelyzarov submitted his resignation report from the post of deputy commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He directly linked his decision to the minister’s removal:

Unfortunately, in the fifth year of the war, I submitted my resignation from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I believe that the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov is a great evil for the country’s defense potential. Glory to Ukraine!

As Ukrainska Pravda notes, Yelyzarov was appointed deputy commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by Fedorov in January.

Mykhailo Fedorov became defense minister in January 2026. His resignation has not been officially announced. The minister himself effectively confirmed his dismissal by writing on social media: “It was a great honor to serve the Ukrainian people as defense minister.”

Fedorov’s resignation came amid personnel reshuffles in the Ukrainian government. On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The new cabinet is expected to be announced on Thursday, July 16. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted the candidacy of Naftogaz chief Serhii Koretskyi to the Rada for the post of prime minister.