Protesters in Ukraine rallied against dismissal of popular defence chi

Protesters gathered in Ukraine on Thursday after its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to dismiss the popular defence minister.

Protestors flocked into the streets on Thursday in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to dismiss the youthful Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov.

Fedorov is widely regarded by the public as one of Ukraine's most effective ministers, who was credited with driving drone technology innovation for the military and leading anti-corruption efforts within the defence ministry.

For many protesters, the demonstration is about preserving the momentum of Ukraine on the battlefield. Many are worrying that when Fedorov is dismissed, all the efforts will be in vain and could be reversed under a new leadership.

VALENTYN LARIN: "Of course I'm exhausted, by those feelings in my back, in my legs that are shaking, my head feels a little bit numb, but it's nothing compared to what we will face tomorrow and after tomorrow and years after. It's nothing compared to the people that are suffering high in the frontline."

Zelenskyy's attempt to reshuffle his wartime government, which included replacing the prime minister as well, could become a test of his political authority as Ukraine's fight against Russia's full scale invasion has lasted for more than four years.

It is understood that Fedorov's ideas clashed with the traditional military establishment, as Zelenskyy confirmed the dismissal was driven by a long-running friction between the defence ministry and Ukraine's commander in chief.