Day Five of Ukrainian Protests: Crowds Demand Fyodorov’s Return and Syrskyi’s Dismissal.

Ukraine’s Ongoing Protests

According to Espreso.tv: For the fifth consecutive day, Ukrainians are rallying in support of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fyodorov and against Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. These demonstrations are taking place in multiple cities, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Odesa, and Cherkasy. Hundreds of people are participating daily, calling for Fyodorov to be reinstated and for Syrskyi to be removed from his post. The protests reflect deepening political tensions within Ukraine’s military leadership amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Situation in Kyiv and Beyond

A rally is underway at Ivan Franko Square in Kyiv, where participants are actively voicing their demands. Dmytro Kozyatynskyi, one of the protest organizers, has issued an ultimatum, stating that a decision must be reached by Friday. On July 17, more than 10,000 people gathered in Kyiv to support Fyodorov, underscoring the broad public backing for his work.

The protests have also spread to other cities, including:

• Mykolaiv
• Ivano-Frankivsk
• Lviv
• Odesa
• Cherkasy
• Izmail
• Lutsk

Demonstrators are expressing their discontent, with chants like ‘Syrskyi, get out’ heard in Ivano-Frankivsk. Fyodorov has accused Syrskyi of blocking ministry initiatives, which he cites as a key reason for his dismissal—announced on July 15, following the Verkhovna Rada’s vote to dissolve the Svyrydenko government on July 14.

‘We are ready to keep the protests going. It’s crucial that the president not only meets with the relevant officials but actually makes a decision.’ — Ihor, protest participant

Another protester, Iryna, shared her perspective: ‘I support our government, but as a conscious citizen, I’ve been coming here for four days to gently hint that they’ve “dropped the ball.” They need to reconsider their decision.’

On July 20, MP Kachura called for an emergency session of the Rada, which could mark the next step in addressing the crisis. The protests continue, with participants vowing to persist until their demands are met.

These demonstrations highlight the serious political divisions within Ukraine’s military command, emerging against the backdrop of war. The protesters’ demands reveal strong public support for Mykhailo Fyodorov and widespread dissatisfaction with Oleksandr Syrskyi’s actions. The situation remains tense, and the Verkhovna Rada’s next moves could significantly shape the course of events.