Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russian attacks overnight killed at least four civilians and wounded 20 others, escalating tensions amid a political crisis triggered by his decision to replace popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

The abrupt dismissal of Fedorov, a key figure in Ukraine’s technological advancements and anti-corruption efforts, sparked nationwide protests, with thousands demonstrating across cities.

Zelensky cited deteriorating relations between Fedorov and Armed Forces Commander General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the reason for the reshuffle, though critics argue it undermines military cohesion.

The president has proposed appointing Yevhen Khmara, a respected security service chief, to take over defence duties, but bureaucratic hurdles—such as Ukraine’s requirement for defence ministers to be civilians—may delay the process.Meanwhile, Russia intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian cities, including Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, causing additional casualties.Moscow claimed its air defenses downed 243 Ukrainian drones, while Ukrainian forces reported strikes on multiple regions.The conflict highlights Ukraine’s precarious balance between military resilience and internal political instability.