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