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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has commented on his decision to replace Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a joint briefing in Kyiv with outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the BBC Russian Service reported.
Earlier, Zelensky said the decision to dismiss Fedorov was prompted by disagreements between the defence minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Speaking alongside Starmer, Zelensky said the conflict between the General Staff and the Ministry of Defence was systemic in nature and had existed “at different levels,” stressing that it was not merely a personal issue.
The Ukrainian president also commented on protests held since the morning against Fedorov’s dismissal.
“People wanted to come out, and they were right to do so. I understand, I hear them, and I even respond to what society is saying,” Zelensky said.
He added that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is among the leading candidates to replace Fedorov, but no decision has yet been made and no nominee for the post of defence minister has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.
A government reshuffle is currently under way in Ukraine. Following a vote in the Verkhovna Rada, Naftogaz chief Serhii Koretskyi was elected prime minister.