Ukraine is facing a significant political crisis after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision on 15 July not to reappoint Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister. Many of Fedorov's young supporters continue to protest every day in Kyiv. They want Zelensky to bring back the popular minister who is credited with many innovations in Ukraine's military technology. Fedorov has rejected alternative job offers from Zelensky because he believes only three jobs are important to influence the war: defence minister, army commander, or president. Some people think he wants to challenge Zelensky for the presidency, creating tension within the government. However, there are currently no elections due to the war, which makes this situation more complicated. Zelensky has appointed Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi, a respected leader, to replace the unpopular commander. While many welcomed this choice as a step forward, it may not fully fix the issue as public opinion still reflects dissatisfaction with the government’s actions. Young Ukrainians, eager for modern leadership, believe they need a leader who represents their values and aspirations. This ongoing political struggle will continue to have significant effects on Ukraine's military strategy and public trust in the government. If Zelensky wants to stabilize his position, he must address these concerns directly.
B1 · Intermediate · 203 words · ~1 min
2026-07-25 · BBC News · politics

Ukraine's Political Crisis Over Defence Minister
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- innovations
- new ideas or methods that improve something.
- status
- the state or condition of a person or situation.
- tension
- a situation of stress or conflict between people.
- leadership
- the action of leading a group of people or an organization.
- strategic
- related to the long-term planning and actions aimed at achieving a particular goal.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What significant decision did Zelensky make regarding Fedorov?
2.Who did Zelensky appoint to replace Fedorov?
3.Why are Fedorov's supporters protesting daily in Kyiv?















































