Ukrainians protested in their thousand central Kyiv and other cities across the country on Thursday calling for the reinstatement of sacked Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (pictured) ahead of a vote in parliament to replace him with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Photo by Olivier Matthys/EPA
July 16 (UPI) -- Thousands of Ukrainians rallied in central Kyiv and other cities on Thursday demanding the reinstatement of sacked Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov ahead of a vote in parliament to approve his replacement.
The mostly young protestors, waving Ukrainian flags and holding up signs condemning the removal of the popular political figure, shouted "reappoint" and "shame."
"Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!" read some of the placards hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Fedorov after just six months in the job as part of a major reshuffle of his cabinet.
The demonstrations come amid widespread opposition by lawmakers, the military and civil society demanding to know the reason for the ejection of one of the government's most capable officials.
