Protests in Kyiv Continue Over Defense Minister Removal

Protests in Kyiv entered a second day after the defense minister was not reappointed in a cabinet reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Demonstrators demanded the dismissal of Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. The 35-year-old defense minister had been credited with contributing to Ukraine's recent successes in its war with Russia.

Background on the Reshuffle The cabinet change removed the defense minister from his post. Public anger over the decision prompted the demonstrations that continued into the second day. France 24 reported that the defense minister's removal triggered the backlash. The demonstrations remained focused on the cabinet decision and the call for the commander-in-chief's dismissal.