New Delhi, July 16 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for "unity" within the country's military leadership after the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov triggered rare public protests.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky acknowledged the growing dispute between ousted Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, saying the conflict had put him in an impossible position.

"A president in wartime should not have to choose in such a situation, honestly," Zelensky said. "I would very much like unity."

He added that he was still considering who would replace Fedorov, saying Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko was only one of several candidates under discussion.

"The preside...