‘Why do ministers get rotated more than soldiers?’ Kyiv protesters ask, after Zelensky pushes out the defense minister they didn’t want to lose

Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the cabinet led by Yulia Svyrydenko — after just one year in office.

But Ukrainians are more concerned about the fate not of the prime minister but of the defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov.

His dismissal has already triggered street protests, the resignation of military commanders, and bewilderment among Ukraine’s Western allies.

The Verkhovna Rada has already confirmed a new cabinet lineup: it no longer includes any prominent political figures; the emphasis is instead on loyal managers.

The defense portfolio will go to a former head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

At Meduza’s request, Ukrainian journalist Kostiantyn Skorkin explains the latest chapter of the government crisis in Kyiv. ...