What's behind Zelensky's surprise government reshuffle, and why has it sparked protests in Ukraine?

Published 17 July 2026 · politics

Just when Ukraine appeared to be gaining momentum on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a surprise government reshuffle that included the dismissal of his

Just when Ukraine appeared to be gaining momentum on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a surprise government reshuffle that included the dismissal of his defence minister, triggering rare protests across the country. Parliament has approved a new prime minister -- former head of the state gas operator Naftogaz, Sergiy Koretsky -- and most of his team. But the appointment has been overshadowed by opposition to the removal of the popular Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, and his blistering attack on the army's top commander. Why now? Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Why did President Zelensky decide to reshuffle the government and remove Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov? ⌵ President Zelensky stated the reshuffle is part of preparing the country for winter and enhancing wartime governance, although he has provided little explanation behind Fedorov's dismissal. 2 What events have occurred following Fedorov's dismissal from his position as defence minister? ⌵ Fedorov's dismissal triggered rare protests across Ukraine, with demonstrators calling for his reinstatement and expressing dissatisfaction with the government's military leadership. 3 What issues did Mykhailo Fedorov face that led to his conflicts with military chief Oleksandr Syrsky? ⌵ Fedorov accused Syrsky of obstructing necessary reforms in the military and creating divisions, leading to a public dispute and ultimately his removal from the defence ministry. 4 Who has been appointed as the acting defence minister after Fedorov's ousting?

⌵ Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), was appointed by President Zelensky to serve as the acting defence minister following Fedorov's dismissal. 5 What impact is Fedorov's removal expected to have on Ukraine's military strategy? ⌵ Fedorov's removal raises concerns about the future of Ukraine's innovative drone warfare strategy, which had been a focal point of his tenure as defence minister. The shake-up comes less than a year since the last reshuffle and only six months after Fedorov was appointed with a remit to reform the military. It also happens at a moment of relative optimism for Kyiv in the war, with Ukrainian troops having stalled Russian momentum and intensified strikes on Russia's territory. Zelensky has given little explanation, saying only that "it is important to prepare the country for winter" -- a task he entrusted to Koretsky. Opposition lawmaker Inna Sovsun told AFP the move "came out absolutely unexpected". Intrigue has surrounded the timing. Political expert Volodymyr Fesenko said the reshuffle was likely linked to Zelensky's desire to appoint former prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko as US ambassador, after Ukrainian media reported the current envoy was facing a corruption probe. Koretsky is being tasked with preparing Ukraine and the energy sector for winter, when Russia is set to resume attacks that have crippled the power grid and left millions without heating or electricity in subzero temperatures.