Former SBU Special Forces chief Yevhen Khmara took over Ukraine’s Defense Ministry on Monday, July 20, following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision four days earlier to appoint him as acting defense minister amid a growing political crisis over the dismissal of reformist Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Khmara’s appointment was formalized by a Cabinet of Ministers order published on the government portal. He previously served as commander of the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) Alpha Special Operations Center and oversaw the agency’s long-range operations.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The move comes as Zelensky faces mounting pressure over Fedorov’s removal, which triggered days of protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Thousands of demonstrators have called for the reinstatement of the former defense minister, accusing authorities of removing a reform-focused official whose tenure saw major advances in Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities and military procurement. Fedorov’s dismissal sparks wartime protests The protests, now entering their fifth day, were triggered by Fedorov’s removal on July 15 after he repeatedly clashed with Ukraine’s military leadership. They have become the longest-running demonstrations in Ukraine directly linked to wartime decisions. Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Kyiv since last week, holding cardboard signs and singing the national anthem. Hundreds returned to the streets on Monday, although turnout was lower following a weekend of Russian attacks.