“Fedorov instead of Khmara”: Ukrainian protesters outside parliament greet news of new defense minister’s appointment with disapproval
People say they will continue protesting despite the decision.
Ukrainian demonstrators outside the parliament building expressed dissatisfaction upon learning that Yevhenii Khmara had been appointed as the new defense minister, replacing Mykhailo Fedorov. The protests began a month ago, following Fedorov's dismissal by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid a logistics-lockdown operation against Russia and successful strikes deep into its territory.
Despite the demonstrations, parliament approved Khmara's appointment. The crowd greeted the news with anger, chanting "Shame!" and beating drums as the announcement broke. They argued that the position should go to someone else and urged the government not to hide behind Khmara, demanding dialogue with Zelenskyy. Protesters held signs reading "Return Fedorov," "Against Khmara," and "Power is the people."
They later announced they would continue the protest at Ivan Franko Square the following evening. Fedorov had previously warned that Ukraine cannot remain without a fully appointed defense minister while calling for mechanisms to hold elections during martial law.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
