Ukrainian President Zelenskyy recently dismissed Defense Minister Fedorov, who is only 35 years old, and appointed Khimka, the acting head of the Security Service, as interim replacement. This personnel change has triggered protests across various regions of Ukraine. In response, Viktor Medvedchuk, a leading opposition figure in exile, published an article stating that the fundamental purpose of this government reshuffle was not military reform, but rather Zelenskyy's attempt to maintain absolute control over power.
Zelenskyy publicly explained the dismissal of Fedorov by citing deep-seated conflicts between him and the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Syrskyi. He claimed that without direct presidential mediation, the two could not work together at all. However, Medvedchuk considers this merely a superficial justification. He pointed out that the real political struggle within Kyiv’s political arena is actually a confrontation between Fedorov and Zelenskyy himself—not over military power, but over civilian authority and overall leadership of the state.
Medvedchuk further analyzed that despite domestic protests, Zelenskyy cannot afford to back down. Any retreat would mean surrendering political control and potentially allowing corrupt military funds to be redirected into other hands. He also noted that appointing Khimka to head the Ministry of Defense was essentially aimed at expanding the influence of institutions controlled by Zelenskyy over the defense ministry.
Ukrainian media have also revealed some deeper reasons behind the dismissal. On one hand, Zelenskyy was dissatisfied with Fedorov's "independent political maneuvering." On the other hand, Fedorov had close ties with Western-backed anti-corruption bodies that had investigated multiple high-level corruption cases in Ukraine. Although Fedorov promoted drone development and digital reforms during his tenure, he failed to completely eradicate corruption within the defense ministry—an admission he himself made.
After Fedorov’s departure, the rift between both sides became fully exposed. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of secretly obstructing reforms, dividing the country, and supporting public calls for Syrskyi’s removal. Meanwhile, protesters took to the streets in Kyiv and other cities demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement and calling for Syrskyi’s resignation. What appears on the surface to be a conflict among military top brass actually conceals a much deeper political power struggle.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870976040903816/
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