India, July 18 -- Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight killed at least four civilians and wounded 20 other people, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as he faces a political crisis after firing his popular defence minister.

Zelenskyy's major reshuffle of his Government on Thursday, which included the appointment of a new prime minister, unsettled the country's military leadership and trigged a public outcry. It was an unwelcome difficulty after Ukraine has gained traction in its fight against Russia's more than 4-year-old invasion.

The surprise departure from the defence ministry of Mykhailo Fedorov, a youthful and popular member of the Government, saw thousands of people demonstrate against his dismissal in cities across Ukraine on Th...