Western media call Fedorov’s dismissal a ‘self-destructive reshuffle’

Leading Western outlets — The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times — have sharply criticized Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov.

Both publications questioned the political wisdom of the move.

The Wall Street Journal focused on whether Fedorov’s supporters could organize protests large enough, and whether Western allies could pressure Zelensky into reconsidering his decision. The newspaper recalled that last year the president had already been forced to abandon plans to limit the powers of independent anti-corruption bodies — following street protests and pressure from Western partners.

The Financial Times published a strongly worded editorial headlined “A self-destructive reshuffle in Ukraine.” The outlet criticized Zelensky’s personnel decision and questioned its political rationale.

FT’s Ukraine bureau chief Christopher Miller reported that “the mood in the Ukrainian parliament is grim.” According to him, one lawmaker from Zelensky’s party described the situation as “very sad” and “a blow to the image of the new government.”

Deputies characterized the speech by new Defense Minister Serhiy Koretsky as “a collection of platitudes and empty slogans.”