President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demonstrated considerable diplomatic skill on the international stage, securing substantial military and financial aid from Western allies including the UK and US. His recent meetings with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and US President Donald Trump showcased continued international support for Ukraine’s defence efforts.
However, Zelenskyy’s domestic political standing faces significant challenges following the dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Appointed in January, Fedorov gained widespread approval for modernizing the defence ministry, improving military pay, implementing transparent procurement processes, and adopting data-driven warfare strategies that shifted battlefield momentum in Ukraine’s favour. When Zelenskyy removed Fedorov during a government reshuffle and retained army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi—an older military figure associated with conventional tactics—public reaction proved overwhelmingly negative, with polling showing 72 percent of respondents opposed the decision.
Mass protests erupted across Ukrainian cities, initially calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement. Under sustained pressure, Zelenskyy removed Syrskyi and attempted to bring Fedorov back into government. However, Fedorov declined alternative ministerial positions, insisting on restoration to the defence portfolio—a role Zelenskyy has not yet offered. The political standoff continues unresolved as daily demonstrations persist.
This represents part of a broader pattern of unpopular domestic decisions. In July 2025, Zelenskyy signed legislation stripping anti-corruption bodies of their independence despite widespread public opposition, later reversing course under pressure. Current protesters now chant slogans demanding reforms rather than corruption, suggesting deep public concerns about governance and potential vested interests resisting modernization efforts.
The situation carries significant implications as Ukraine continues its conflict with Russia. Military developments suggest Ukraine has shifted advantages toward air and drone operations, with some analysts describing the country as pursuing a more convincing path to victory than seen since 2022. The internal struggle between reform-minded younger figures and the Soviet-inflected older establishment represents what observers characterize as a contest for Ukraine’s post-conflict future.
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