Ukraine leadership crisis deepens as Zelensky’s dismissal of Fedorov fuels speculation over new political rival

Jul 22, 2026 at 12:22 PM

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Lanka Leader

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov during a sweeping government reshuffle has triggered political turmoil, public protests and growing speculation that the move may have created a formidable future rival, according to a report by The Times.

Several Ukrainian lawmakers told the British newspaper that the dismissal has significantly elevated Fedorov’s political standing and could strengthen his prospects if Ukraine eventually holds presidential elections.

Zelensky defended the decision by saying it was intended to end an irreconcilable dispute between the popular young technocrat and Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, General Aleksandr Syrsky, a Soviet-trained officer who has reportedly become increasingly unpopular among troops.

The removal of Fedorov on July 16 prompted demonstrations in Kiev and several other cities, with protesters calling for the defense minister to be reinstated and demanding Syrsky’s dismissal instead. However, in a Telegram message on Tuesday, Zelensky announced that Syrsky had also been removed from his post.

One unnamed Ukrainian lawmaker told The Times that the controversy had substantially increased Fedorov’s popularity among the public.

"This scandal has considerably raised Fedorov’s political profile among the people. Now the sharks are circling in the waters waiting for the time that we can have elections again," the MP said.

Growing presidential speculation

According to The Times, several members of parliament have already encouraged Fedorov to establish his own political party.

A poll conducted by the Kiev Institute of Sociology last month reportedly placed Fedorov two percentage points ahead of Zelensky in net approval ratings, driven in part by widespread public distrust of the Ukrainian president. The survey also showed that both politicians remain less popular than former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, who was dismissed by Zelensky in 2024 following Ukraine’s unsuccessful counteroffensive.

Lawmakers interviewed by The Times drew parallels between the dismissals of Zaluzhny and Fedorov, suggesting that Zelensky may again have strengthened the political profile of a potential challenger.

"He did the same thing with Zaluzhny and now Zaluzhny is seen as the main person who could defeat Mr Zelensky in an election," one member of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party was quoted as saying.

Zelensky’s five-year presidential term expired in May 2024, but no elections have been held due to martial law and the ongoing conflict with Russia.

An Ipsos survey published earlier this year suggested that Zaluzhny would defeat Zelensky by 23% to 20% in a hypothetical first-round presidential election. While no comparable polling has been conducted regarding Fedorov’s electoral prospects, analysts say the nationwide protests following his dismissal highlight his growing public support.

Western concerns

The protests also recalled demonstrations that erupted last year after Zelensky attempted to reduce the authority of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The proposed reforms were abandoned following public protests, widespread media criticism and pressure from Ukraine’s Western allies.

Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews, argued that Fedorov’s dismissal also generated concern among Ukraine’s European partners, who reportedly viewed him as one of Kiev’s leading anti-corruption figures.

Writing on Substack, Aris claimed that corruption allegations involving several of Zelensky’s close political allies have become an increasingly serious issue for the Ukrainian government.

Questions over future European support

Aris also argued that political support for Ukraine is weakening across Europe, warning that "Ukraine fatigue" is once again gaining momentum among EU governments.

He suggested that several European countries could soon elect governments seeking a less confrontational approach toward Russia and reduced engagement with Kiev.

The report also noted that Greece, which has opposed additional EU sanctions on Russia, has reportedly declined requests to transfer its stockpile of approximately 200 PAC-2 Patriot missiles to Ukraine despite pressure from Brussels.

Meanwhile, several of Ukraine’s key European supporters—including the United Kingdom, France and Germany—are facing domestic political challenges. According to Aris, political uncertainty in those countries could further complicate future military and financial assistance for Kiev.