Zelenskyy signals upcoming military decisions after meeting with Fedorov and Syrskyi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine prepares new measures to strengthen and develop its Armed Forces. The upcoming changes are being drafted with input from military personnel and the defense leadership, according to a statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Data available on upcoming decisions
The Ukrainian leader says the initiative follows an extended series of discussions and consultations with key government officials.
The planned measures will also be shaped by direct feedback from both the public and members of the military.
"Yesterday and today have been filled with consultations. Of course, I hear what people are saying. Today, I spoke at length with Mykhailo Fedorov. I also spoke with Oleksandr Syrskyi today. Decisions regarding the army will be worked out," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr #Zelenskyy's evening speech to the nation as of July 18 pic.twitter.com/JVnr4EPXTf
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 18, 2026
Protests over Fedorov's dismissal
On Saturday, July 18, large-scale protests entered their third consecutive day in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister.
People took to the streets, demanding that the government respond to personnel changes in the Defense Ministry leadership.
Later that day, former Defense Minister Fedorov responded to the wave of protests held in his support. In a public statement, he thanked people for their hope and said that the planned changes in the country would definitely take place.
Earlier, on July 16, the former minister made a high-profile statement about his time leading the Defense Ministry. Among other things, Fedorov described what he called his biggest mistake in office, which was directly related to efforts to reform the Ukrainian army.
