Protests and Military Repression Following the Ouster of Defense Minister Fedorov.

Rally in Support of Mykhailo Fedorov

According to Espreso.tv: A rally supporting Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed as Ukraine's defense minister, took place on July 16, 2026, at Ivan Franko Square in Kyiv. Alina Mykhailova, commander of the medical unit 'Ulf', shed light on ongoing repression within the military in 2026 and the current protest landscape.

Mykhailova, who leads the medical service of the 'Wolves of Da Vinci' battalion, explained that military repression manifests as pressure on those who voice their opinions. She stated that

“repression in the army in 2026 means getting a call from the SBU urgently wanting to know which unit a soldier belongs to—simply because he posted online about protest actions and urged people to join”

Protests and Repression: The Current Situation

Kozyatynskyi, a former combat medic in the 'Ulf' medical unit of the battalion, left the military a year ago. According to Mykhailova, openly supporting protests can carry severe consequences for many service members.

“For many soldiers, backing protests could cost them their position. Their rank. Lead to reprimands. Closed-off opportunities. Or simply a 'preventive conversation' to remind them where they are and whom they serve”

This highlights ongoing tensions within the military and around the protests, particularly due to the repression faced by soldiers who express support for protest movements.

The rally for Mykhailo Fedorov reflects broader socio-political strains in Ukraine, especially within military circles. Public disagreement with leadership policies can lead to serious repercussions for service members, underscoring limits on free speech during crises. The protests and military repression illustrate the difficult balance between duty and personal conviction amid the country's political shifts.