Row escalates in Ukraine over army chief’s future

Row escalates in Ukraine over army: Faces Internal Crisis as Army Chief's Position Hangs in Balance Ninoda.com – Protests across Ukraine have

Ukraine Faces Internal Crisis as Army Chief’s Position Hangs in Balance

Ninoda.com – Protests across Ukraine have intensified following the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as defence minister. Demonstrators have vowed to launch countrywide actions unless Fedorov is returned to office, while President Volodymyr Zelensky works urgently to calm tensions. The commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has found himself caught in the middle of this political storm.

Deadline Set for Resolution

Over the last seven days, crowds have gathered in Kyiv alongside other urban centers to voice opposition to Fedorov’s dismissal. Many demonstrators are simultaneously calling for Syrskyi’s removal from his military leadership position. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a veteran of the armed forces, announced via social media that an open-ended national demonstration would commence if two conditions are not met by Friday: Syrskyi must step down and Fedorov must be reinstated.

“We will begin an open-ended nationwide protest,” Koziatynskyi declared, setting a firm deadline for the government’s response.

Until that Friday deadline arrives, no further demonstrations have been organized. The nation watches with anticipation for an official resolution to emerge.

Government Consultations Underway

According to Ukrainian news outlets, Zelensky spent the weekend engaging in discussions with both military generals and cabinet ministers. The goal is to find a path forward through this internal crisis. Meanwhile, the general staff issued a statement refuting claims that Syrskyi was either about to be dismissed or had already been removed from his post.

Additional reports indicate that Fedorov turned down a proposal to assume an alternative governmental role rather than returning to defence minister. Kyrylo Budanov, who leads the president’s office, called on citizens to maintain composure during this turbulent period.

“The situation surrounding the latest internal changes has caused strong emotions,” Budanov explained on Tuesday. “I understand people who express their position…..The position of society has been heard.”

Warnings Against Internal Division

At Ivana Franka Square, situated close to the presidential palace, protesters chanted their demands loudly. Budanov, formerly head of military intelligence, cautioned demonstrators not to direct hostility toward one another.

“The enemy is closely monitoring our every internal dispute and is waiting for us to start fighting among ourselves,” he warned. “The work is under way. There will be results.”

Many protesters view Syrskyi as a symbol of outdated Soviet military thinking. The general, aged 60 and typically quiet, responded to criticism by publishing an extensive statement defending his career and asking the public not to concentrate on his reported disagreements with Fedorov, who is 35 years old.

Syrskyi’s Defense of His Record

Despite Zelensky’s previous assertion that the two men could barely share the same space, Syrskyi expressed surprise at learning of their supposed conflict.

“I perceived our relationship as a working one,” he wrote in an article for the Militarny website. “If I offended anyone, Mykhailo Albertovych [Fedorov], I’m sorry.”

The commander-in-chief emphasized that matters such as military procurement, contracts, and mobilization are far more complex than the simple slogans displayed on protest placards. He argued that decisions affecting civilian lives require careful consideration rather than catchy phrases.

“Decisions on which people’s lives depend are not made with slogans,” Syrskyi stated. “Real work, not the public drama surrounding it, wins the war.”

While avoiding personal attacks, Syrskyi directed subtle criticism toward Fedorov, suggesting that presentations should not become opportunities for self-promotion. He noted that each slide in a presentation should be backed by documentation, budget allocations, and established procedures.

“Otherwise, instead of a decision the army gets disappointment,” he concluded.

Public Trust Leans Toward Fedorov

Despite Syrskyi’s efforts to defend his position, many Ukrainians—particularly younger citizens—appear to support Fedorov’s vision for military reform. Fedorov is widely credited with introducing innovations that have strengthened Ukraine’s ability to counter its larger adversary.

“Right now, the war is changing, so we need new ideas and a new structure,” Tetiana Makarenko, a 44-year-old law firm employee, told reporters at a weekend demonstration. “It’s often said that a small Soviet army can’t defeat a big Soviet army. It’s time to change the mindset and start the new type of war.”

Fedorov’s six-month tenure as defence minister has coincided with numerous military victories, further bolstering public confidence in his approach to modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces.