Russia’s War in Ukraine

Understanding the conflict four years on.

Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at protests in Ukraine, Iran’s new threats to the Gulf region, and dangerous air quality levels for Canada and the United States.

Thousands of people took to the streets on Thursday to protest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s cabinet reshuffle. Although several notable officials were replaced or reassigned, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, public outcry primarily centered on the ouster of one individual: Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at protests in Ukraine, Iran’s new threats to the Gulf region, and dangerous air quality levels for Canada and the United States.

Thousands of people took to the streets on Thursday to protest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s cabinet reshuffle. Although several notable officials were replaced or reassigned, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, public outcry primarily centered on the ouster of one individual: Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

At just 35 years old, Fedorov has garnered the reputation of a modernizer. Having spearheaded Kyiv’s technology drive, including its drone development program, Fedorov is seen by many as key to Ukraine’s recent battlefield successes. Mid- and long-range drone attacks have proved to be particularly effective at disrupting Russian supply lines and straining Moscow’s wartime economy.

During his six months in office, Fedorov also redirected funds earmarked for salaries into military investments, persuaded Starlink CEO Elon Musk to cut off the Kremlin’s access to its satellite communications system, and pushed for greater transparency in weapons procurement deals—all accomplishments Fedorov himself detailed in a social media post following his firing. Many Ukrainians have praised Fedorov for cracking down on corruption and pushing for asymmetric warfare that would limit Ukrainian casualties.

On Thursday, protesters in Kyiv and other cities across the country held up signs that read “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory!” while chanting “Shame!”

Yet........

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