Zelenskyy meets Trump as Ukraine political crisis deepens 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 faces a self-inflicted political crisis at home. The ouster of popular reformist Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after only six months triggered protests across Ukraine. Fedorov, credited with anti-corruption procurement reforms and drone technology advances, clashed with traditionalist military chief 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 battlefield momentum and threatens Ukraine's €90 billion EU loan tied to anti-corruption conditions, as well as EU accession progress. However, analysts note the public backlash demonstrates the resilience of Ukraine's wartime democracy, forcing leadership accountability.