India, July 16 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a significant domestic challenge this week as his decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has triggered spontaneous public demonstrations and deep unrest within the nation's political ranks.

As Kyiv's parliament prepares to vote on a new wartime government, the removal of the 35-year-old "wunderkind" of Ukraine's military modernisation has exposed deep fissures in the administration's strategy just as the conflict with Moscow reaches a pivotal, high-stakes juncture.

The reshuffle, representing the latest major reorganisation of Zelensky's cabinet since the full-scale invasion began, is intended to refresh the government's public image and address mounting f...