“Don’t Hide Behind the Cloud”: Activists Announce New Cardboard Protests Following the Appointment of the Defense Minister
19 August 15:37
Activists calling for the reinstatement of Mikhail Fedorov as defense minister reacted negatively to the Verkhovna Rada’s decision to appoint Yevgeny Khmara as head of the Ministry of Defense. After the voting results were announced, participants in a cardboard protest in Mariinsky Park chanted “Shame!” and declared their intention to continue the protests. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing “Ukrinform.”
After the news of Khmara’s appointment broke, protesters began chanting “Shame!” and beating drums. They later announced the end of the day’s rally, while calling on supporters to attend the next rally on Wednesday, August 20, at Ivan Franko Square.
According to the protesters, they plan to hold demonstrations daily at 7:00 p.m.
The protesters emphasized that they are not personally opposed to Khmara, but believe that Fedorov should hold the position of defense minister.
“We have great respect for Khmara, but please don’t hide behind him,” Ukrinform quoted the activists as saying.
Among the protesters’ demands are dialogue with the authorities and Fedorov’s return to lead the Ministry of Defense. During the rally , slogans were chanted: “We demand dialogue,” “Don’t ruin our future,” “Dialogue, not indifference,” “Fedorov instead of Khmara,” “The people are the government,” and “Power means responsibility.”
On their posters, the protesters wrote, in particular: “Bring Fedorov Back,” “Against Khmara,” and “Thanks for Drapato, Bring Fedorov Back.”
The Rada Appointed Khmara as Defense Minister
On August 19, the Verkhovna Rada approved the appointment of Yevhen Khmara as Minister of Defense. A total of 312 members of parliament voted in favor of the decision.
Protests in support of Fedorov have been ongoing since July 16. The participants oppose his dismissal and are demanding that the former minister be reinstated to lead the Defense Ministry.
Fedorov himself had previously stated that he was ready to continue working on reforming the Ministry of Defense, but declined other job offers.
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