New Delhi, July 17 -- Just when Ukraine appeared to be gaining momentum on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a surprise government reshuffle that included the dismissal of his defence minister, triggering rare protests across the country.

Parliament has approved a new prime minister -- former head of the state gas operator Naftogaz, Sergiy Koretsky -- and most of his team.

But the appointment has been overshadowed by opposition to the removal of the popular Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, and his blistering attack on the army's top commander.

The shake-up comes less than a year since the last reshuffle and only six months after Fedorov was appointed with a remit to reform the military.

It also happens at a mo...