“Fedorov instead of Khmara”: activists react to the appointment of a new Minister of Defense

The appointment of Yevheniy Khmara as Minister of Defense caused a negative reaction from the participants of the rally for the return of Mykhailo Fedorov, which took place in Mariinsky Park in Kyiv. After the Verkhovna Rada’s decision, the protesters began chanting “Shame!” and declared that they would continue to take part in the rallies every day.

Ukrinform reports on the reaction of the protesters from the scene.

“Shame!” and drums after the Rada’s decision

On August 19, the Verkhovna Rada supported the appointment of Yevheniy Khmara as the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine. 312 people’s deputies voted in favor of the decision.

The news was announced to the participants of the rally, who gathered in Mariinsky Park with a demand to return Mykhailo Fedorov to the post of head of the Ministry of Defense.

The protesters greeted the parliament’s decision with shouts of “Shame!” and beating of drums.

“We respect Khmara, but this position should belong to someone else”

The participants of the action emphasized that their protest is not so much directed against Yevgeny Khmara personally, but against the decision not to return Mykhailo Fedorov to the Ministry of Defense.

The activists stated that they respect the new minister, but they believe that another person should head the department.

“We respect Khmara very much, but please do not hide behind Khmara,” the protest participants stated.

Among the slogans that were heard during the action: “Fedorov instead of Khmara”, “We demand dialogue”, “Dialogue, not ignore”, “Power is the people”, “Power is responsibility”.

The protesters also declare the lack of dialogue with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Protests Promise to Be Held Every Day

After Khmara’s Appointment Was Announced, the Protesters Announced the End of the Current Protest, but They Do Not Plan to Give Up Protests.

The Next Gathering Was Announced on Ivan Franko Square at 7:00 PM.

According to the activists, they plan to hold such protests every day at the same time in the future.

The protestors held placards demanding Fedorov’s return to the Ministry of Defense and criticizing the authorities’ personnel decision.

Why Protests Began in Ukraine for Fedorov

The protests began after a large-scale government reshuffle.

In July, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the need to renew the Cabinet of Ministers. On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada supported the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, which meant the resignation of the entire government.

One of the most high-profile personnel decisions was the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov from the post of Minister of Defense.

Since July 16, protests have been held in a number of Ukrainian cities demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.

The President offered the former head of the Ministry of Defense other government positions, but Fedorov refused them, stating his desire to continue reforming the defense department.

Khmara officially heads the Ministry of Defense

Despite the protests, the personnel decision has already received the support of the parliament.

On August 19, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Yevheniy Khmara as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine by 312 votes.

Now attention will be focused not only on the first decisions of the new head of the Ministry of Defense, but also on further protests by supporters of Fedorov’s reinstatement, who have already announced their intention to continue the protests.