Ten killed in attacks in Russia and Ukraine as protests continue in Kyiv

Ten people were killed in air attacks across Russia and Ukraine on Friday, as thousands gathered in Kyiv to protest the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The violence unfolded amid growing unrest in Ukraine following the abrupt removal of a key figure in its military leadership. Russian drones targeted infrastructure in Ukraine’s southern city of Mykolaiv, striking three foreign-registered vessels. Local prosecutors confirmed the attack resulted in two deaths among Ukrainian crew members. In the Black Sea port city of Odesa, a missile strike on a residential building killed two people and injured eight, including a mother and her children. Emergency services reported the children survived and received medical aid. The bombing also damaged a religious institution, a pre-school, vehicles, and other civilian structures. A separate drone attack in Marhanets, central-eastern Ukraine, killed one person and wounded eight. In the frontline city of Kherson, Russian strikes left a 70-year-old woman dead and five elderly individuals injured. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike on a highway in occupied Kherson territory claimed two more lives, according to the region’s Moscow-appointed governor. In Russia, a drone attack in the Belgorod region near the Ukraine border killed a man in his car. Another incident in Gorlivka, a Russian-controlled town in eastern Ukraine, saw a civilian fatality due to a Ukrainian strike. These attacks underscored the ongoing escalation along the conflict zone, with casualties reported on both sides. The violence coincided with widespread demonstrations in Kyiv, marking the second consecutive day of protests against the removal of Fedorov. Known for advocating military modernization and credited with contributing to recent Ukrainian victories, Fedorov’s resignation sparked controversy. His departure highlighted deep divisions within Ukraine’s military establishment. After stepping down, Fedorov publicly criticized Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi, questioning the effectiveness of current leadership in the war effort. Protesters gathered outside Zelenskyy’s presidential office, demanding his reinstatement. Thousands also took to the streets in cities such as Kharkiv, Ternopil, Mykolaiv, Chernivtsi, and Lutsk. Demonstrators expressed concerns over the impact of Fedorov’s absence on national defense and civilian safety. Valeriia Balenko, a 29-year-old protester, emphasized the public's desire for leadership that prioritizes both military success and protection of civilians. President Zelenskyy responded by appointing Yevgeniy Khmara, head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), as acting defence minister. He cited Khmara’s extensive experience in technological combat operations. Subsequently, Zelenskyy assigned former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to lead the defence and security council, signaling a shift in strategic direction. As tensions persist, the situation remains fluid. The combination of military action and political upheaval continues to shape the trajectory of the conflict, with implications for both nations' stability and future engagements.