Protests in 15 Ukrainian cities continue after Syrsky’s resignation

A wave of protests swept at least 15 Ukrainian cities on Wednesday — despite the resignation of Armed Forces of Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.

This was reported by TASS.

Demonstrators took to the streets for the seventh consecutive day. Their main demand remains unchanged: the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as minister of defense. The resignation of Syrsky, which Volodymyr Zelensky announced the day before, did not satisfy the protesters — they continue to insist on Fedorov’s return to the Ministry of Defense.

The protests were triggered by Fedorov’s dismissal from the post of defense minister last week. Mass demonstrations began across the country shortly afterward. According to media reports, the official was fired due to a conflict with the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces: Fedorov allegedly sought Syrsky’s resignation, but Zelensky sided with the military commander.

The protesters demanded the opposite from the authorities — to bring back Fedorov and dismiss Syrsky. By July 18, the rallies had grown into demonstrations in which the head of state himself came under criticism. Ultimately, on July 21, Syrsky was dismissed after all.

Earlier, journalists suspected Fedorov of intending to run for the presidency of Ukraine.