Ukrinform correspondents reported this.
In Kyiv, people even brought their pets to the protests. Some activists attached signs with various slogans to their pets, including “#ISupportFedorov” and others.
They are chanting: “Syrskyi must resign,” “Fedorov is Ukraine’s defense minister,” and so on.
People are holding signs that read: “Bring Fedorov back,” “A strong country needs strong people,” and others.
Some of the protesters are holding yellow-and-blue balloons.
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A rally in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has been ongoing in downtown Kharkiv since 9 a.m. Currently, about a hundred participants have gathered, holding signs with slogans.
Among the messages directed at the authorities are: “Maybe we should chase away the Soviet mentality, not innovation,” “Listen to the people,” “I cry out ‘shame,’ but my cry does not reach the throne,” “Ministers rotate more often than soldiers,” “Bring Fedorov back,” “Monsters on vacation, heroes in the trenches,” “Let’s fight Ukraine’s enemies, not its patriots,” and others.
Most of the protesters are young people. Cars driving by honk their horns in support of the crowd.
“We want change; we want people in power who strive for victory, not those who profit from everything that’s happening,” says Iryna, a resident of Kharkiv.
Daria, who works in the IT industry, says she was born in Crimea, moved to Kharkiv to study some time ago, and in 2022, her parents also moved from the peninsula to the city.
“I can’t stand by and do nothing when something like this is happening,” she says.
Serhii, a participant in the rally, explains why he came out to protest: “Fedorov is a good manager and has accomplished a great deal in half a year, which is why I’m here today.”
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Residents of Ternopil gathered again today near the regional council building and the regional state administration to protest the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister.
People came to the rally carrying blue-and-yellow flags and signs reading “9:00 a.m. is time for remembrance, 9:01 a.m. is time for the future,” “Exchange the prisoners, not Fedorov,” “Innovation saves soldiers,” and others.
Tetiana, a resident of Ternopil, came to the protest with her 7-month-old son.
“I have half an hour to spare, so I came here to voice my opposition to Fedorov’s resignation. He has done so much and can still do more to bring Ukraine closer to victory. I’m standing here today for the sake of our children and their future in our homeland,” Tetiana said.
Daria, a designer, moved to Ternopil from Kharkiv. She has been participating in the rally for the second day in a row.
“I believe that Fedorov’s dismissal is a very wrong decision. People who think in terms of digitalization and data analysis need to be in the ministry,” Daria said.
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In Mykolaiv, peaceful protests against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister have continued for the second day.
On the morning of July 17, about 50 people gathered in downtown Mykolaiv near City Hall. They are holding signs reading “Bring Fedorov back,” “It’s time for systemic change,” “UGV or assaults?” “Free the prisoners of war, not Fedorov,” and other slogans.
“Removing such a powerful figure as Minister Fedorov from office is an anti-state decision. Because he represents the introduction of technology—he’s the one behind the drone program. Replacing him is like switching from an airplane to a ‘kravchuchka’ [a makeshift cart]. Khmara, who was appointed acting defense minister, is a good specialist, but not on the same scale,” said Serhii, a participant in the rally and a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
He also noted that during Fedorov’s tenure, significant budget funds were saved in a short period and added that Fedorov had good prospects in this area.
“I hope that President Zelensky will listen to us and reinstate Fedorov,” the veteran emphasized.
Anastasia, a representative of the youth civic organization Cult of the State, called on the president and the Cabinet of Ministers to disclose the real reasons behind Fedorov’s resignation, as the protesters believe he was dismissed without explanation.
“We also demand an independent audit of the activities of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the appointment to this position of a competent officer trusted by both the military and the defense minister. Because if Fedorov was dismissed due to a conflict with Syrskyi, that is not good,” she said.
Protesters are chanting “Glory to Ukraine,” “Glory to the nation,” and “Death to the enemies,” and singing patriotic songs.
They say they will continue to gather until their voices are heard and their demands are met.
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In Chernivtsi, on Central Square, about 30 people are holding a rally calling for Mykhailo Fedorov’s reinstatement as defense minister.
People are chanting “Bring Fedorov back” and “Kick Syrskyi out.” Each protester is holding a sign in support of Mykhailo Fedorov.
The protesters said the rally will continue until 3:00 p.m., and then they will return to Central Square at 8:00 p.m.
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According to Suspilne, protesters in Lutsk are gathering for the second day in a row in support of the dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Photo: Suspilne Lutsk
“In Lutsk, for the second day in a row, people are taking to the streets to protest President Zelensky’s decision not to renominate Fedorov for the position of defense minister,” the report states.
It is noted that, as was the case yesterday, people gathered at the city’s Theater Square. Approximately fifty people joined the morning rally.
Photo: Suspilne Lutsk
Among the protesters’ demands are the swift appointment of a defense minister, the return of the Verkhovna Rada from recess, the maintenance of the course toward reforms and innovations in the army, and the accountability of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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As previously reported, on July 14, the Verkhovna Rada approved the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The entire government automatically resigned along with her. President Volodymyr Zelensky identified the following as priorities: Dialogue between the military and the Ministry of Defense, resolving issues related to territorial recruitment centers and social support, and strengthening the defense of Ukrainian airspace.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanked the Ukrainian people for the honor of serving and reported on key technological and systemic changes in the military during his tenure.
Read also: Defense Minister Fedorov: Syrskyi not prepared to speak openly about problems in militaryOn February 16, people in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine protested against Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation as defense minister.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked Yevhenii Khmara with serving as acting defense minister of Ukraine and, once the necessary legal procedures are completed, will ask the Verkhovna Rada to endorse his nomination for the position.