Protesters hold placards reading messages such as "Hands off Fedorov and Fuck the system that works against me" (C) during a demonstration against Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, in Kyiv on July 16, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo: Tetiana Dzhafarova / AFP / Lehtikuva
International news
Ukraine's parliament is due to vote on a new government on Thursday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that prompted protests in Kyiv and criticism from politicians, military figures and commentators.
The cabinet reshuffle is the second since last year and comes as Ukraine continues to fight Russia's full-scale invasion.
More than 1,000 people gathered outside the presidential office in Kyiv on Thursday, chanting "Shame" and carrying signs opposing Fedorov's dismissal. Reuters reported that protesters held placards reading "The Russians are celebrating".
