Zelensky Made a Major Concession This Week: He Replaced the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces

After days of protests and anger from both the military and society, President Zelensky made a major concession this week: he replaced the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Yet this weekend, thousands of Ukrainians will take to the streets again with cardboard signs. Their original demand has remained standing - the return of Mikhail Fedorov as Defense Minister.

Although at their core the protests may be about the most important issue for Ukraine today: how can the armed forces be reformed into a modern army that can defeat Russia? Festival atmosphere On Franka Square in the center of Kyiv it feels like a spontaneous festival. Volunteers hand out water.

Cardboard signs are distributed on the corner on which demonstrators can write their own text. Zelensky must hear the protests from his office next to the square. Cries of "shame!", "Fedorov! and “glory! are alternated with nationalist songs.

Organizers have warned that everyone should listen to the air raid siren. Because the city is constantly being bombarded with ballistic missiles. Despite the persistent threat, several thousand people are back on their feet.

It is indicative of a society where everyone fights, has fought or knows someone who fights. Fedorov's dismissal became a catalyst for growing anger over ongoing problems in the armed forces. Not only at the front, where there is dissatisfaction about salaries and lack of rotation.

But also behind it, where mobilization is becoming increasingly violent and corruption continues. Drones For example, 35-year-old Fedorov advocated tenders for investments by the army. This allowed him to command better prices and save money.

In the meantime, Fedorov focused on the development and production of drones, which increasingly attacked Russia's logistics supply lines and oil refineries. Veteran Roman (34) was initially critical of the appointment of the Minister of Defense. Now the former sniper participates every day in the protests to give Fedorov his position back.

Roman was seriously injured two years ago. From his friends at the front he heard how quickly the changes under Fedorov were noticeable. "For the first time they had enough reserves.

He made it possible to really fight this war with technology. What also concerns Ukrainians is that Zelensky has still not given a satisfactory explanation as to why the minister had to leave. According to the president, there were growing tensions with Commander-in-Chief Syrsky, who with his traditional Soviet approach was diametrically opposed to the young 'tech minister'.

Syrsky was replaced this week by the younger General Drapaty, who has legendary status in Ukraine, partly because of his defense of Mariupol in 2014. The new commander-in-chief is known for his modern approach to warfare and expressed his support for Fedorov when he was forced to leave. Tackling corruption There was criticism from the opposition and among Fedorov's allies that something else was at his ambitious plans to tackle corruption. The minister is said to have quickly made enemies in the armed forces and defense industry.

Roman also thinks that Zelensky has succumbed to that pressure. "Unfortunately, there are still bad people trying to make blood money, the veteran said. "People thought that tackling corruption would come after the war.

But Fedorov already started it. Zelensky tried to reconcile with Fedorov by creating a new position for him: deputy prime minister for military innovation. On paper, it is in line with what the expelled minister also wants to improve.

But Fedorov rejected the offer. In addition to the president and the commander in chief, only a minister of defense could implement the necessary reforms, he explained.”