Ukraine protests to continue despite Syrskyi's firing as organizers demand Fedorov's return
"We still gotta bring back Fedorov," protest organizer and veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi wrote.
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Tim Zadorozhnyy
ReporterTim Zadorozhnyy is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent covering foreign policy, U.S.-Ukraine relations, and political developments across Europe and Russia. He studied International Relations and European Studies at Lazarski University and Coventry University. Tim began his journalism career in Odesa in 2022 as a reporter for a local television channel. He later spent a year and a half at the Belarusian independent media outlet NEXTA, first as a news anchor and later as a managing editor. He is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Articles
Inside the Zelensky-Fedorov stalemate: Neither side is ready to yield
President Volodymyr Zelensky and former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov remain locked in a political standoff, with neither side willing to compromise as protests over the minister's dismissal pause for three days, people familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent.
Days after thousands of people rallied against Fedorov's dismissal, both camps remain committed to their maximalist positions.
Zelensky fired Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi in an attempt to defuse public anger, but h
Protesters give Zelensky until Friday as he weighs Syrskyi's dismissal, decision expected within days
Another protest over President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov while keeping Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi in office is scheduled to take place in Kyiv on July 20.
One of the protest's organizers, veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi, told the Kyiv Independent the movement now has two clear demands: reinstating Fedorov as defense minister and removing Syrskyi as commander-in-chief.
A decision on Syrskyi's dismissal is expected soon, possibly within days
Second day of protests erupts as Zelensky stands by decision to oust Defense Minister Fedorov
Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv and other cities on July 17 for a second straight day to protest President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov while retaining Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The renewed demonstrations came after Zelensky said following the first day of protests on July 16 that he "understands, hears, and responds" to public concerns. Protesters argue, however, that he has ignored calls to reverse the dismissal.
The dispute became a majo
Zelensky's government reshuffle was even more chaotic than you think
Two of Ukraine's most important wartime ministries had been thrown into legal limbo following President Volodymyr Zelensky's government reshuffle, leaving the country without confirmed political leadership at both the Foreign and Defense ministries.
After parliament approved the new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi on July 16, both Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov automatically lost their posts under Ukrainian law.
The usual procedure would
Lindsey Graham's revised Russia sanctions bill gains filibuster-proof Senate support
The bill's supporters are now focused on securing floor time for a vote.
Thousands rally in Kyiv, other cities against Defense Minister Fedorov's dismissal, demand reappointment
President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked a wave of criticism from lawmakers, soldiers, veterans, and civil society figures, who argue Ukraine is losing one of its most effective wartime officials without a clear explanation.
Exclusive: Lockheed Martin supports granting Ukraine Patriot missile licenses, official says
The U.S. has begun the process of granting Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles, moving the matter beyond political statements, a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent.
Zelensky to meet with Fedorov as speculation over defense minister's exit grows
The meeting comes in a week when rumors and speculation that Fedorov could be replaced as defense minister have reached fever pitch.
Updated US Russia sanctions bill eases tariffs on Russian oil, gas buyers
The bill would impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil or natural gas, while granting the U.S. president authority to waive the sanctions "upon a justification and certification to Congress."
Zelensky eyes replacing Defense Minister Fedorov, source says
A decision to replace a popular figure widely seen as competent would likely prove controversial with both Ukrainian politicians and wider Ukrainian society.
Naftogaz CEO Koretskyi set to become Ukraine's next PM, Svyrydenko's future uncertain, sources say
Editor's note: The story was updated after a person familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent that Yuliia Svyrydenko has not yet agreed to accept the post of an ambassador in Washington.
Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi is set to become Ukraine's next prime minister, a Ukrainian official and a person familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent.
The expected appointment comes after Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed on July 12 that she would step down following President Vo
Exclusive: Trump, Zelensky to discuss strategy to pressure Russia into peace talks
President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump will exchange ideas on how to end Russia's all-out war against Ukraine during a July 8 meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara, two people familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent.
The meeting comes as Ukraine believes that there is now an opportunity to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in direct negotiations with Zelensky.
Kyiv hopes to capitalize on what it views as growing pressure on the Kremlin, while a
UK intercepts Russian Bear-F aircraft after it buzzed carrier strike group in Norwegian Sea
"This activity was unsafe and unprofessional," a U.K. Defense Ministry spokesperson said.
Ukrainian MiG-29 crashes during combat mission, Air Force says, pilot ejects safely
The pilot was located by a search-and-rescue team, which evacuated him to a medical facility.
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