UKRAINE’S President Volodymyr Zelensky’s shake up of his government drew thousands into the streets across Ukraine on Thursday to protest against the sacking of his defence minister.

The overhaul, which included replacing his prime minister, comes as Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion approaches four and a half years. 

President Zelensky himself should have faced election in the Spring of 2024 but  elections were suspended under martial law.

President Zelensky cited friction between outgoing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, for the change.

He told a news conference: “I’m just showing that if the sides can’t resolve an issue, I will have to resolve it.” 

Mr Fedorov said he was willing to work with General Syrskyi, “but we encountered a situation in which all the initiatives we proposed began to be blocked.

“Under this arrangement (with General Syrskyi as commander), I personally do not know how the war can be won,” he said.

General Syrskyi thanked Mr Fedorov in a social media post and said he hoped he would continue to serve Ukraine. “I wish him to continue to remain in the Ukrainian team,” Syrskyi said without elaborating.

Kiev resident Bohdan Huryak said he was “deeply outraged” by Mr Fedorov’s exit and this is a person who shows results on the battlefield.”