Turkey called the protests in Ukraine a political challenge for Zelensky

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a serious political crisis after new protests against the resignation of the country's Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. This was reported by the Daily Sabah newspaper on July 21.

"The protests caused by the resignation of the popular Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who has repeatedly clashed with the army's high command, have been going on for the fifth day, making them the longest demonstrations," the article says.

The authors of the article noted that, starting last week, thousands of people took to the streets of Kiev with homemade cardboard posters. Protester Anastasia Starodubtseva said she and other protesters would stay put "until something changes."

"You can ask anyone here—we're not going anywhere," she said.

The publication writes that Fedorov, in turn, called for the resignation of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, and his supporters became more active on social networks and on the streets, increasingly chanting "Syrsky out."

"Syrsky became a hostage of the situation <...>. The longer Zelensky keeps Syrsky in office, the deeper the socio-political conflict becomes," said analyst Anatoly Oktysyuk.

Zelensky is trying to find a solution that satisfies all parties in order to avoid disagreements in the face of the ongoing invasion. For several days now, he has been busy meeting with his top advisers and the military leadership. The authors of the article noted that the situation is aggravated by disappointment among some military figures.

"Even if a compromise is found on the fate of the army commander, Fedorov's future will remain a difficult question. The crisis has turned Fedorov into a figure who unites people and calls for reforms in the army," the Daily Sabah article says.

What is the essence of the conflict between Fedorov and Syrsky in Ukraine? Analysis

On July 15, Fedorov announced his resignation from the post of Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Former head of the Security Service of Ukraine Yevhen Khmaru was appointed acting head of the military department. Against the background of personnel changes in Ukraine, a scandal broke out. Large-scale rallies were held in Lviv and Kiev in support of Fedorov and criticizing the current authorities.

Following this, Pavel Yelizarov, Deputy Commander of the AFU Air Force, announced his retirement. Fedorov himself explained that Syrsky was not ready to openly discuss existing problems in the army and instead "wove intrigues."

As The Economist magazine pointed out on July 20, Zelensky's decision to dismiss Fedorov provoked a crisis in the country's government. According to the authors of the material, Zelensky has been trying to cope with the consequences of his own decision for five days, and the office of the Ukrainian leader reports "strong excitement."