@the_kyiv_independent: Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv and other cities on July 17 for a second straight day to protest President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov while retaining Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The renewed demonstrations came after Zelensky said following the first day of protests on July 16 that he "understands, hears, and responds" to public concerns. Protesters argue, however, that he has ignored calls to reverse the dismissal. The dispute became a major political crisis, fueling concerns about the future direction of Ukraine's military leadership. #kyivprotests #kyiv #ukraine

Kyiv Independent

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Region: UA

Saturday 18 July 2026 06:54:57 GMT