‘No Room for Mistakes’: What Next for Protestors Demanding Fedorov’s Reinstatement?

A significant rally demanding the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov, along with a call for continued reforms in the Ministry of Defense, is scheduled to take place in central Kyiv on Sunday, August 16. However, recent protests are increasingly focusing on broader grievances against the authorities, including corruption, opaque decision-making, ignoring public input, and even the felling of 100-year-old oak trees for developers' profit.

At a rally on August 14, a prominent slogan, "Listening to the people – that’s powerful," gained traction, a reference to President Volodymyr Zelensky's frequent use of the phrase. Yet, the future of these protests is uncertain. While President Zelensky is unlikely to consider reinstating Fedorov, he cannot simply disregard street-level demands either. General Yevhenii Khmara has already been appointed as acting minister of defense, and Zelensky cannot appear to yield to protesters entirely.

Fedorov himself is not openly participating in the rallies, citing a desire to avoid being seen as a political figure and to finish the war first. This stance has raised questions about the continued viability of the protests. Journalists and political strategists believe that Fedorov's decision is misguided, citing historical examples where prominent figures have become iconic symbols during pivotal moments.

The upcoming Parliament vote for a new Ministry of Defense head on August 18 will likely shape the future of the protests. If it becomes clear that Fedorov will not return to his former position, the rallies could end. However, if they persist, their duration remains unclear. The protesters' chief grievance, after all, is not solely about Fedorov but systemic issues that led to his dismissal – even though Zelensky was aware it might alienate the public.