Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Zelenskiy Meets Commanders Amid Ukraine Protests
President Zelenskiy of Ukraine met with top military commanders to discuss the ongoing war with Russia.
Meanwhile, thousands of people, mostly young, have been protesting in the streets.
They are upset because the government removed a popular young minister named Mykhailo Fedorov and want the commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, to be fired.
The protesters say Syrskyi's leadership style is old-fashioned and causes too many soldiers to get hurt.
The government is listening to the protests but hasn't made any big changes yet.
They are trying to find a solution that makes everyone happy.
President Zelenskiy met with top military commanders to address discontent and protests.
Protests in Kyiv and other cities demand the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi faces criticism for his leadership style and tactics.
Zelenskiy considered potential replacements for Syrskyi, including younger generals.
Protesters have set a deadline of July 24 for their demands to be met.
- Who
- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, military commanders, protesters
- What
- Meetings with commanders and street protests
- When
- July 20, 2024
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Why
- To address growing discontent with defence leadership and protests against the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister
Protesters
Government
Dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov
Protesters
Protesters demand the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, citing his reformist approach and popularity among young people.
Government
The government has removed Fedorov and is considering other roles for him, indicating a strategic shift in leadership.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi
Protesters
Protesters call for the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, criticizing his Soviet-style command culture and high casualty tactics.
Government
The government is evaluating the situation and has not yet announced Syrskyi's removal, emphasizing the need for unity and restraint.
- Protest Locations
- Kyiv and other cities
- Protest Duration
- Several days
- Martial Law
- Protests defied martial law
- Commanders Met by Zelenskiy
- Five generals and one colonel
- Frontline Length
- 1,200 kilometres (746 miles)
- Public Opinion on Fedorov
- 61% against his dismissal
- Protest Deadline
- July 24 for demands to be met