Ukraine's protests lose momentum as Zelensky refuses to budge

['Tim Zadorozhnyy', 'Tim Zadorozhnyy Is A Reporter At The Kyiv Independent Covering Foreign Policy', 'U.S.-Ukraine Relations', 'Political Developments Across Europe', 'Russia. He Studied International Relations', 'European Studies At Lazarski University', 'Coventry University. Tim Began His Journalism Career In Odesa In As A Reporter For A Local Television Channel. He Later Spent A Year', 'A Half At The Belarusian Independent Media Outlet Nexta', 'First As A News Anchor', 'Later As A Managing Editor. He Is Fluent In English'] The Kyiv Independent 2026-08-12 15:59:50

A protester holds a portrait of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a demonstration calling for defense sector reform in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 31, 2026. A 50% success rateProtests erupted in mid-July after Defense Minister Fedorov lost his seat during a chaotic government reshuffle. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, poses for a portrait in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 19, 2025. Thousands gathered in a Kyiv park before marching through the city center, once again putting pressure on Zelensky to bring back the former defense minister. Instead, Yevhen Khmara, a figure respected in Ukrainian military circles, has spent almost a month serving as acting defense minister.