President Zelensky fired Defense Minister Fedorov and the whole cabinet

Today, on 16 July 2026, President Zelenskyy dismissed almost the entire Cabinet of Ministers. Among them was Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Defense who many people in Ukraine consider the most effective defense minister since the beginning of the full-scale war.

His dismissal caused real anger. People went out to protest in many cities across Ukraine. Thousands came to the streets because they believed Fedorov was doing a very good job. Under his leadership, Ukraine made big progress in drones. Our forces took the initiative on the battlefield, carried out many successful long-range drone attacks deep into Russia, and damaged more than 40 percent of Russian oil refineries. Also, he worked hard on new technologies and tried to change old Soviet-style management in the army to a modern one.

After his firing, Fedorov made strong statement. He said there is no other choice — Ukraine must replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Gnatov. According to him, there are serious problems in military leadership and without changes it will be hard to win.

Zelensky himself explained his decision. He said there was constant conflict between Fedorov and Syrskyi. The President admitted it was very difficult for him to make this choice.

“During wartime, the president should not be making choices in such a situation. I would very much like to see unity. The parties haven't found it. And the problem is not only with the parties, but also with me. I am not absolving myself of responsibility,” said Zelensky.

In another comment about negotiations, Zelenskyy added: “Without me, they won't sit down (for negotiations), they have a conflict,” speaking about Fedorov and Syrskyi.

Many people are worried now. Fedorov was known as a person who pushed hard for innovations, Starlink improvements (including actions against Russian use), and a new approach in war. His supporters say that removing such a minister during a difficult time can hurt the army and the morale of the people.

The situation is still developing. Ukrainians are waiting what will happen next and who will replace Fedorov. Many hope that the new minister will continue good reforms and not return to old ways.

Zelenskyy stated that he understands the protesters' demands but has not yet made a final decision

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainians have the right to hold peaceful protests and express their views even during wartime, adding that he has not yet made a final decision on the issue raised by demonstrators.

"We are fighting for freedom and democracy, so I think we are doing everything right," Zelenskyy said at a press conference on 16 July.

"People are doing what they want to do. They wanted to come out, and that's the right thing to do. And if, even during the war, with all its difficulties and restrictions, people can express their will, then I consider that the most important thing." - Zelensky stated.

The president also said he listens to public concerns and often responds to them, even when he would prefer not to discuss certain matters publicly because of the ongoing war.

"I respond to some things I wouldn't want to get into in that much detail. Not because there are secrets from our society – there are secrets from the Russians." - he said.

Commenting on reports that acting Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko could become the next defense minister, Zelenskyy said Klymenko is "one of the candidates" but stressed that he has not yet submitted any nomination to parliament. He added that Klymenko has strong leadership qualities and could help end the controversial practice of forced mobilization known as "busification."

"But again, this is a question I am still considering," Zelenskyy said. "Well, that's it. That's where I'm trying to put the ellipsis in my answer, because I haven't put the full stop yet."

The defence company executives are detained due to a detonation at the Vyshneve ammunition depot

Two senior executives of a Ukrainian defense company have been detained following a massive secondary ammunition explosion triggered by a Russian missile strike on a warehouse in Vyshneve, Kyiv Oblast, on the night of 5-6 July, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said.

"Seven people killed. Twenty-nine injured. Over 600 evacuated. Thirteen hectares of residential development in ruins," Kravchenko said. "These are not only the consequences of yet another Russian missile strike. The investigation has found that the scale of the tragedy was increased by the official negligence of specific individuals in the rear" - the prosecutor added.

According to investigators, a Russian 9M723 Iskander ballistic missile struck a warehouse in Vyshneve, causing hours of secondary explosions. Prosecutors said the warehouse was not authorized or properly equipped to store large quantities of ammunition and was located just 18-24 meters from residential buildings, in violation of Ukrainian law and government regulations. Kravchenko said the Russian strike was the initial cause of the disaster, but "the scale of the subsequent detonation and its consequences was determined by the disregard for basic ammunition storage rules and public safety."

On 16 July, authorities detained the company's chief executive and his deputy on suspicion of official negligence resulting in deaths and other grave consequences. Prosecutors are seeking their pre-trial detention without bail, and both have been dismissed from their positions. According to a law enforcement source cited by Ukrainska Pravda, the suspects are Mykola Andriiash, head of a company within the Ukrainian Defense Industry (Ukroboronprom) structure, and his deputy, Ruslan Kuchynskyi.

Russia hit Kyiv with ballistic missiles, killing 2 and injuring 6

At least two people were killed and six others, including a 16-year-old boy, were injured after Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv overnight on 16 July, Ukrainian officials said.

Explosions were heard across the capital shortly before 1:00 a.m. local time as Russia launched at least eight ballistic missiles toward Kyiv, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least three of the injured were hospitalized. Warehouses and other non-residential buildings were damaged in the attack, while emergency services continued responding to the aftermath.

Air raid alerts were also issued across several regions of Ukraine, including Vinnytsia Oblast, as Russia launched waves of Shahed-type attack drones. Explosions were also reported in Kharkiv during the overnight assault. Authorities said damage assessments were ongoing and the casualty toll could rise.