The political tensions in Kiev are reaching alarming levels. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Sîrski, has given a first reaction after the explosive revelations made by the resigned Defense Minister, Mihailo Fedorov, regarding an open conflict between the two. Although he avoided a direct confrontation in his statements, Sîrski sent a message with a strong symbolic charge, reminiscent of the critical moments at the start of the Russian invasion.
The general’s response comes in the context where Fedorov publicly stated that, although Sîrski saved Ukraine in 2022, his tactics no longer correspond to the realities of a modern technological war.
Sîrski: “Thanks to the defense of Kiev, briefings can be held today”
Without directly attacking the minister, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army merely formally thanked Fedorov for his efforts and wished him “to remain in Ukraine’s team in the future”. However, his response regarding the historical importance of defending the capital was extremely nuanced:
“I am proud of the fact that, thanks to the defense operation of Kiev in 2022, we managed to save our capital. Now, in this city, briefings can be held, visions can be outlined, and decisions can be made. I will make every effort to ensure that such events can take place in a free and independent Ukraine,” Sîrski pointed out.
The General emphasized that, in order to achieve this goal, the entire society and political class must remain exclusively focused on the war effort and on an “efficient strategy, which is already showing concrete results”.
Previously, during a press briefing, Mihailo Fedorov revealed that Sîrski had issued an ultimatum to President Volodimir Zelenski, demanding his dismissal. The Minister accused the general’s team of systematically blocking all reform initiatives proposed by the Ministry of Defense.
Although he acknowledged the undeniable merits of Sîrski in the campaigns in Kiev, Kharkov, and Kherson, Fedorov warned that “the war has completely changed,” accusing the commander-in-chief of refusing to openly discuss the systemic issues within the army.
Budanov intervenes in the dispute: “We do not have the right to let emotions weaken us”
Against the backdrop of Fedorov’s dismissal and the ensuing wave of public discontent, the head of the Main Directorate of Information (GUR), Kirilo Budanov, issued a public call for calm and national unity.
Budanov explained that the heated debates within Ukrainian society are a sign of democratic maturity, however, he warned that internal disputes should not destabilize the front in the face of the Russian aggressor.
“Ukrainians are a nation that knows and has the right to ask difficult questions and demand answers. This is a sign of our internal health and of a committed civic stance. However, we do not have the right to allow emotions or disputes to weaken our main strength: unity. We must channel all our energy into the fight against the occupier”, Budanov conveyed.
The head of GUR emphasized that civil society, Parliament, the Presidency, the Government, and the Security Forces must act as a monolithic block: “We work together. With a cool head and a warm heart.”
Protests in major cities of Ukraine
Reactions from the top of the state occur as thousands of people have taken to the streets in the country’s major cities. On July 16, support rallies for Mihailo Fedorov were organized in Kiev, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odessa, Dnipro, and Chernivtsi.
President Zelenski’s decision to dismiss Fedorov has sparked a massive wave of criticism from the front-line soldiers, volunteers, businessmen, and Ukrainian journalists. They consider his replacement a major strategic mistake and express their fear that the digitalization and modernization reforms of the army, initiated by Fedorov, will be completely abandoned.