Tensions in Kyiv as protesters reject Yevgen Khmara's appointment as defence minister

Hundreds of Ukrainians gathered in Mariinsky Park in Kyiv to protest the parliamentary approval of Yevgen Khmara as the new defence minister, expressing anger at the choice and calling for a different candidate.

When the decision was announced, the crowd reacted loudly: protesters beat drums and shouted slogans such as "Shame!" and "We demand dialogue," while carrying banners that called for the return of Mykhailo Fedorov.

Requests for Fedorov and calls for sustained mobilization

Some placards read "Bring back Fedorov," "Against Khmara," and "Thank you for Drapatiy, bring back Fedorov," and several demonstrators praised what they described as Fedorov's accomplishments in operations against Russia. Participants told officials the post "should belong to another person."

Organizers said they would end that particular gathering but urged citizens to reconvene at Ivan Franko Square at 19:00, announcing plans to hold similar actions every day.

The day before the vote, Mykhailo Fedorov addressed Ukrainians, arguing the country should not remain without a fully appointed defence minister while also calling for mechanisms to enable meaningful elections under martial law. He did not outline a specific proposal or say who should trigger such mechanisms, but warned that "democracy must not be held hostage by Russia."

Yevgen Khmara won unanimous backing from the parliamentary Defence Committee to replace Fedorov at the head of Ukraine's defence ministry.

Photo: EPA / Facebook