Editor's note: This is a developing story. Crowds of Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv and other cities on the evening of July 18 to protest President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The demonstration marks the third consecutive day of collective action since Fedorov was dismissed on July 15. The firing of the popular defense minister after only six months in office sparked public outrage, with soldiers, veterans, activists, and everyday Ukrainians sounding the alarm on a crisis in the country's military leadership. Protesters took to the streets again on July 18 with two demands: reinstate Fedorov, and fire Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Protesters in Kyiv on July 18, 2026 call for Mykhailo Fedorov to be reinstated as Defense Minister and Oleskandr Syrskyi dismissed as Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. A poster shows a mouse eating cheese — in Ukrainian, the phrase is a pun on the officials' names and symbolizes Fedorov defeating Syrskyi. (The Kyiv Independent)After Fedorov's shocking dismissal, reports emerged of his deepening conflict with Syrskyi, framed as fundamental differences in leadership and strategy between the young, reform-minded technocrat and the old-guard Soviet commander. Syrskyi has repeatedly faced criticism from military personnel and analysts for excessive micromanagement and for fostering what critics describe as a Soviet-style military culture — a culture rife with corruption, abuse, and high personnel losses. Many Ukrainians now believe Zelensky chose to back Syrskyi over Fedorov despite the defense minister's impressive achievements during his short tenure — a track record that includes persuading Elon Musk to cut off Russian troops' access to Starlink and coordinating long-range strikes on Russian logistics in occupied Crimea. Following the first day of protests on July 16, Zelensky said that he "understands, hears, and responds" to the voices of demonstrators. But that same day, despite widespread calls to reinstate Fedorov, the president nominated acting Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Chief Yevhen Khmara to serve as acting defense minister.The Cabinet of Ministers approved Khmara's appointment on July 17.Before taking over the ministry, Khmara headed the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center, which has played a central role in Ukraine's long-range strike campaign against Russia.Unlike Fedorov, Khmara has largely remained out of the public spotlight. But his appointment to the Cabinet cleared the way for his controversial senior deputy, Oleksandr Poklad, to be named acting chief of the SBU. This appointment has also raised alarm among Ukraine's civil society figures. The Anti-Corruption Action Center and other activists have accused Poklad of leading the attack on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in 2025 and fabricating political cases.