Protests in support of outgoing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spread to several Ukrainian cities on Friday, July 17, with demonstrators calling for his reinstatement and criticizing the president’s decision to remove him. According to local media, hundreds of people gathered in Kyiv, while smaller rallies were held in Lutsk, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Ternopil.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. In Kyiv, protesters assembled on Ivan Franko Square, chanting slogans including “Hands off Fedorov,” “The government is the people,” “Syrsky is out,” and “Deputies – to work.”
Participants said they expected larger crowds later in the evening and pledged to continue protesting until the authorities responded.According to KYIV24 outlet, demonstrators argued that Fedorov’s dismissal had been made without public consultation. They said he had earned public trust through his support for the military and criticized the Verkhovna Rada for failing to explain the decision.Among those attending the Kyiv rally were relatives of servicemen, who said they had come to voice the concerns of soldiers serving on the front line.In Lutsk, more than 50 people gathered for a second consecutive day on Teatralny Maidan, according to Suspilne. Veterans were among the demonstrators, who called for the swift appointment of a new defense minister and demanded that the Verkhovna Rada return from its legislative recess.
