It’s Thursday, July 16

Ukraine is now officially without a foreign and defense minister.

In what might be aptly described as a political trainwreck, Mykhailo Fedorov, the popular reformist defense minister, confirmed his departure on Wednesday before a bombshell briefing today accusing Commander-in-Chief Syrsky of sowing division and hindering reforms, while the latter responded by saying everyone should focus on winning the war.

Widespread protests ensued over Fedorov’s dismissal/resignation, and they also affected today's vote on the new cabinet. While former Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskiy was sworn in as the new prime minister alongside his new cabinet, the uproar over Fedorov’s dismissal also meant the government and parliament couldn’t decide who should replace him, leaving the fate of the original candidate – now-former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko – uncertain, since his old role had just been filled.

What’s worse, no one knows when the next plenary session will be.

Starmer might’ve gotten a front-row seat to this madness as he visited Kyiv one last time in his final days as British prime minister. At least Ukraine got a £300 million package out of it.

By Leo Chiu

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Ukraine War Updates

Senior Air Force Commander Quits, Calls Fedorov’s Dismissal ‘Great Evil’

The resignation marks the first high-profile military protest over Fedorov's dismissal as Ukraine's sweeping government reshuffle gathers pace.

Other war-related updates:

For the Record

“Previously, Denys Shmyhal served as minister for half a year. He made promises, started implementing them, and was dismissed… If the same thing happens to Mykhailo Fedorov, it will not be funny at all.”

– Lawmaker Inna Sovsun from Ukraine’s Holos party commenting on Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation