President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainians were justified in taking to the streets to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, saying public demonstrations are a natural part of democracy.When speaking on Thursday, Zelensky explained, “I understand, I hear, and I respond to what society is saying.”JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“People are doing what they want. They wanted to come out – and they were right to do so,” he added.The comments came in response to protests following Fedorov’s removal from the post of defense minister, a decision that sparked criticism and public demonstrations in several cities across Ukraine, especially in Kyiv.According to state media Ukrinform, Zelensky said the decision stemmed from persistent problems in coordination between the defense ministry and Ukraine’s military leadership.Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the president said efforts to improve cooperation between the two sides had ultimately failed.“I would like unity very much. The parties did not find it. And this is not only the problem of the parties, but also mine,” Zelensky added.Fedorov confirmed the dispute and accused Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and top commanders in the General Staff of hindering reforms during an emergency press briefing on Thursday.Despite the decision, Zelensky acknowledged the public reaction and said citizens have every right to express disagreement with government actions, as criticism mounted over the reshuffle in Ukraine’s defense leadership.