KYIV — Thousands of Ukrainians gathered in central Kyiv on Saturday for a second day of protests against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's removal of his defense minister, one of the largest wartime demonstrations since Russia's 2022 invasion. Crowds assembled near Maidan Nezalezhnosti demanding the minister's reinstatement.

Zelenskyy announced the government reshuffle earlier in the week, dismissing the widely respected defense chief in a move his office described as part of broader restructuring of the security establishment. The decision drew immediate criticism from opposition figures and soldiers serving on the front line.

Demonstrators carried Ukrainian flags and placards, with some accusing the president of concentrating power during martial law, which has suspended national elections. Protest organisers said the rallies were peaceful and aimed at pressuring the government rather than undermining the war effort.

The unrest presents a rare public challenge to Zelenskyy's authority at a critical moment, as Kyiv seeks continued military and financial support from European allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met this week to discuss further aid for Ukraine.

The president's office said the government reshuffle was intended to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and denied that the changes reflected political motives. Defense Ministry spokespeople declined to comment on the protests.