Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov on July 16 2026. The sudden move came a day before UK prime minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine. Widespread protests erupted in several cities after Fedorov lost his job. Critics labeled it a bad idea that damaged Ukraine’s stability. Zelensky defended his choice, claiming that Fedorov’s team mishandled some purchases. The firing jeopardizes the drone program Fedorov built up while in charge. This dispute adds a new challenge for talks with western allies on more military aid.