Zelenskyy meets Trump in Washington as political crisis erupts over defense minister ouster

Published Jul 27, 09:30 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump to revive stalled ceasefire negotiations with Russia, but the visit is overshadowed by a self-inflicted political crisis at home. Zelenskyy dismissed popular reformist Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after only six months, triggering protests across Ukraine. Fedorov had pushed anti-corruption procurement reforms and clashed with traditionalist military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi. Under public pressure, Zelenskyy replaced Syrskyi with reform-minded General Mykhailo Drapatyi and offered Fedorov alternative posts, which Fedorov refused. The crisis risks slowing defense reforms and battlefield preparations as Ukraine faces a tough winter. It also threatens Ukraine's relationship with Western allies, including a €90 billion EU loan tied to anti-corruption conditions and Ukraine's EU accession process. However, analysts note that the public backlash demonstrates the strength of Ukraine's wartime democracy.