Budanov has responded to the protests over Fedorov’s resignation

Budanov wrote about this on his Telegram channel.

According to the head of the Presidential Office, citizens’ engagement with the decisions of the state authorities is evidence of the maturity of Ukrainian society and its informed civic stance.

“Ukrainians are a nation that knows how to, and has the right to, ask difficult questions and demand answers. This is a sign of our inner strength,” Budanov said.

At the same time, he emphasised that public debate should not deepen divisions, but rather help the authorities and citizens draw the right conclusions.

“Discussion should make us stronger and lead to the right conclusions,” noted the Head of the President’s Office.

Budanov urged people not to allow personal sympathies, emotions and political disputes to weaken the common struggle against Russia. According to him, the main strength of Ukraine remains the unity of civil society, parliament, the president, the government and the Defence Forces.

He added that all of society’s energy must be channelled into countering the Russian occupiers, and that the ability to debate should not prevent Ukrainians from remaining a united front.

Budanov’s statement came against the backdrop of rallies in support of Mykhailo Fedorov, which took place in Kyiv and other cities. Protesters opposed his dismissal as defence minister and called on the authorities to reinstate Fedorov in the new government.

Fedorov himself had previously confirmed a conflict with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. He accused the military leadership of blocking the reforms and initiatives proposed by the Ministry of Defence.

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