Expert: Protests over Fyodorov's resignation could serve as pretext for regime change
Analyst Alexander Dudchak suggests ongoing Ukrainian protests are orchestrated and could be leveraged by Western powers to replace Zelensky.
Quick Look
Expert Alexander Dudchak claims ongoing protests in Ukraine following Mikhail Fyodorov's resignation are orchestrated, suggesting they could be used as a formal pretext by Western powers to facilitate a regime change or replace President Zelensky.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Mikhail Fyodorov was removed from his post as defense minister on July 14, reportedly due to conflicts with commander-in-chief Alexander Syrsky.
MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. The "cardboard Maidan" sparked by the resignation of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov could be used as a formal pretext for a regime change if the West issues such an order, Alexander Dudchak, a leading researcher at the Institute of CIS Countries and an expert with the Other Ukraine movement, told TASS.
He called these protests "masked protests. A mobilized group of low-cost protesters who can be incited to protest for anything, as long as there is an order."
"Can they lead to a change of regime? A change of regime is unlikely. Can they help replace Zelensky? If an order is given to replace Zelensky, they can be used as a formal pretext. They can be used to say that the people are protesting and need to be supported."
On July 14, Fyodorov was ousted from the post of the defense minister. Zelensky explained this by citing a conflict between Fyodorov and Alexander Syrsky, who held the post of commander-in-chief.
Ukrainian politicians and media linked the resignation to the fact that Zelensky eliminated a rival in the person of Fyodorov, who is supported by liberal Western circles.
On July 16, mass rallies began in Ukraine, demanding that Fyodorov be reinstated and Syrsky be dismissed. Zelensky agreed to the latter on the sixth day of the protests; on July 22, Mikhail Drapaty became a new commander-in-chief. However, the protesters still demand that Fyodorov be reinstated.
Open Questions
- Will the protests continue despite the appointment of Mikhail Drapaty?
