Poroshenko escalates criticism of Zelenskyy amid protests and intensifying Russian strikes

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has sharply criticized the current government under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warning that Ukraine is entering what could be its most difficult autumn since independence without key security officials in place. In a detailed statement on 17 August, Poroshenko, leader of the opposition European Solidarity party, highlighted the absence of permanent ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as a head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). He attributed this to the ruling majority’s incomplete government formation and subsequent month-long parliamentary recess, arguing that the state risks facing Russian attacks while “incapable.”

Poroshenko outlined a “survival plan” focused on civilian protection (including long-delayed shelter legislation), restoring cuts to arms procurement, accelerating military technology, supporting business with war-risk insurance and logistics safeguards, preparing energy resilience for winter, advancing EU integration reforms, and ensuring government accountability. He stressed that war does not take holidays and noted disruptions to supply chains after Russian strikes on warehouses and trade infrastructure.

This latest broadside comes against a backdrop of long-standing personal and political tensions between the two leaders. Poroshenko, who served as president from 2014 to 2019, lost the 2019 election to Zelenskyy in a landslide after a bitter campaign marked by mutual accusations of corruption, inexperience, and failure to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine. A temporary wartime truce emerged after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, but relations deteriorated again. In February 2025, Zelenskyy enacted National Security and Defence Council sanctions against Poroshenko (alongside several oligarchs), including asset freezes and restrictions on capital outflows. Officials cited national security threats linked to alleged coal supply deals involving occupied territories during Poroshenko’s presidency; Poroshenko denounced the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated persecution aimed at sidelining a rival. Ukraine’s Supreme Court rejected Poroshenko’s challenge to the sanctions in July 2026.

Public dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s recent decisions is evident in ongoing protests demanding the reinstatement of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov was dismissed in mid-July 2026 as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle that also led to the replacement of the previous prime minister and, eventually, the commander-in-chief. Demonstrations – often featuring cardboard signs – have continued for over a month across Kyiv and other cities, with participants calling for transparency in the defence sector, reforms, and dialogue with the authorities. While some earlier gatherings drew hundreds or thousands, smaller rallies persisted near the Verkhovna Rada as parliament reconvened on August 18 without immediate permanent appointments for the vacant posts.

Persistent protests over Fedorov’s dismissal challenge Zelenskyy’s authority

These internal frictions are unfolding as Russian military pressure remains intense. Russia has expanded drone launch infrastructure near the borders, sustained high volumes of missile and drone strikes, and contributed to record monthly civilian casualties in July 2026 – the highest since early in the full-scale invasion. Frontline advances have slowed compared to previous periods, but the overall threat continues to strain Ukrainian defences and infrastructure.

The combination of unresolved leadership vacancies in critical wartime ministries, sustained public protests over the defence reshuffle, deep political rivalry between Zelenskyy and his predecessor, and escalating Russian strikes creates a strained domestic atmosphere. Opposition figures like Poroshenko frame the situation as a failure of state capacity at a moment when unity and decisive action are most needed, while the government maintains that personnel changes and security measures serve broader national interests.

Caption: Petro Poroshenko in a photo dated 23 July 2026 [X account of Petro Poroshenko]