Ukrainian four-star general, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has been dismissed in a sweeping government overhaul, triggering protests and a public clash with army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy says unity requires change; protests demand Fedorov’s return. The government is set to appoint a replacement as security forces reassess modernization plans amid mounting pressure.
Ukraine has seen mass protests after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and named SBU chief Yevhen Khmara as acting minister. Fedorov had clashed with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi over modernisation and digital reforms. Demonstrations have continued in Kyiv and other cities and political tensions are rising during ongoing Russian strikes.
Kyiv has faced one of its largest ballistic missile barrages, with 41 missiles and 125 drones reported. Officials say air defences have shot down most missiles and drones, while several civilians have been injured or killed. U.S. licenses for Patriot interceptors are under discussion, with production hoped to begin by year’s end.
A multi-day barrage of ballistic missiles hits Kyiv while Ukraine claims it has targeted Russia's shadow fleet and oil facilities. Dozens are confirmed dead or injured in Kyiv and regional strikes. The conflict broadens with renewed attacks on Black Sea shipping and energy infrastructure.
A renewed round of Russian strikes targets Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, while Kyiv reports drone and missile attacks, drone production sites, and shelling that underline the ongoing tit-for-tat conflict. Ukrainian leaders have warned of further missile activity in the next 48 hours, as both sides mobilize resources and public support amid a volatile security backdrop.
Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests and calls for reform. Supporters describe Drapatyi as a reform-minded leader with frontline experience who can modernise the military and empower field commanders. Critics note his track record in drone warfare and accountability.
Ukrainian drone operators are increasingly using satellite connections to control interceptor drones from distant locations, reducing exposure. Ground teams still transport, assemble, and arm drones, and protect crews amid Russian targeting. The trend marks a shift toward safer remote operation while preserving frontline capabilities.
Missile and drone attacks hit Kyiv and surrounding regions, leaving multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities report damage to residential areas, a medical facility, and a school; NATO and neighboring states warn of heightened tensions as Russia's campaign and Ukraine's response continue.
The latest wave of Russian strikes targets Kyiv and other Ukrainian infrastructure, intensifying an already brutal conflict. Officials report civilian casualties, power outages, and disrupted daily life as both sides escalate long-range attacks and Ukraine warns of winter-scale challenges ahead.
Russian forces have intensified operations around Donetsk’s fortress belt, advancing on Sloviansk and nearby Kostiantynivka and Kramatorsk, while Ukraine reshapes its command to defend the region. Western analysts remain skeptical of Russia’s battlefield gains as Kyiv seeks to hold critical strongholds amid ongoing fighting.
Ukraine has launched a defense-tech initiative backed by Palantir’s Alex Karp, aiming to translate battlefield lessons into civilian and allied defense applications. Fedorov, the former defense minister, says the venture will prioritize Ukraine and expand into AI-enabled missiles, drones and robotics; details are forthcoming as partnerships develop.