# Zelensky’s Biggest Wartime Gamble Is Starting to Backfire

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811/zelensky-s-biggest-wartime-gamble-is-starting-to-backfire
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811/zelensky-s-biggest-wartime-gamble-is-starting-to-backfire.md
Podcast: [Daily Updates on Russian Invasion of Ukraine](https://stenobird.com/podcast/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811)
Published: 2026-07-16T20:00:09+00:00
Episode link: https://ProfessorGerdes.podbean.com/e/zelensky-s-biggest-wartime-gamble-is-starting-to-backfire/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/slk5qor7r2m88zfs/yt_video_8nKJmNax0Ns_7i2fpd.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811/episodes/zelensky-s-biggest-wartime-gamble-is-starting-to-backfire
Duration seconds: 1339

## Resource

Zelensky's decision to remove Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has evolved from a personnel change into one of the most politically volatile moments Ukraine has faced during the war. What began as an attempt to resolve reported disagreements inside the military has instead sparked nationwide protests, resignations by senior defense figures, growing resistance inside parliament, and uncertainty over whether Zelensky's preferred replacement can even secure enough votes. In this video, we separate confirmed facts from speculation, examine why so many Ukrainians are rallying behind Fedorov, and ask whether this has become Zelensky's first major wartime political miscalculation.Chapters00:00 Zelensky's Gamble Begins to Unravel00:41 Why Fedorov Was Removed01:50 Protests Spread Across Ukraine04:33 Senior Defense Figures Resign05:33 Russia Celebrates the Decision06:30 The Starlink Decision That Changed the War07:23 Ukraine's New Government Takes Shape09:29 Why the Defense Minister Still Isn't Confirmed11:46 Zelensky Responds to the Backlash13:06 Could Syrskyi Be Next?15:05 Klymenko's Support—and the Pushback17:01 Parliament Revolts Against the Nominee18:04 Europe Doubles Down on Ukraine19:23 Russia's Economic Spin Continues20:15 Is This a Bigger Mistake Than Zaluzhnyi?21:15 Question of the Day#Ukraine #Russia #Zelensky #Fedorov #Syrskyi #UkraineWar #GeopoliticsFacts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: *****Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplainsBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdesPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdesYouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership🇺🇸 Contact the W…

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