Fedorov addressed Ukrainians who have been protesting for about a month

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov addressed Ukrainians who have continued to protest for about a month after his dismissal from the post of Defense Minister. He thanked the protesters for their stance and persistence.

Fedorov's address was published on August 18 on YouTube. The politician acknowledged people who continue to publicly express their opinion regarding personnel decisions in the defense sector and demand changes.

The protests began on July 16 after it became known that Fedorov would not retain the position of Defense Minister in the new government. The first protests took place in Kyiv, and then residents of Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Ivano-Frankivsk, and other cities joined them.

Protests continue for about a month

One of the main demands of the participants was the return of Fedorov to the post of Defense Minister. At the first rallies, there were also calls to replace the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

In the following weeks, the format of the protests changed. In Kyiv, both traditional rallies near the Ivan Franko Theater and a large-scale march for dialogue and reforms in the defense sector took place. Participants emphasized that they demand not only personnel decisions from the authorities, but also the continuation of army reforms.

Fedorov himself responded to the protests earlier as well. In July, he stated that people took to the streets not for a specific minister, but for hope for change, and spoke about the need for dialogue. Later, he also thanked Ukrainians for their support.

The new address came about a month after the start of the protests, which continue amid uncertainty about the future leadership of the Ministry of Defense.

Zelensky proposed another candidate for Defense Minister

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 18 officially submitted the candidacy of Yevhen Khmara for the post of Defense Minister. The decision on the appointment must be made by the parliament.

Thus, the demand of the protesters to return Fedorov to head the Defense Ministry has not yet been fulfilled. At the same time, Fedorov himself previously stated that he is ready to continue working on his concept of defense sector reforms and does not consider for himself only formal or "decorative" positions.

Based on materials from: YouTube