Citizens maintain the right to dissent and peaceful protests.
The NGO “Defense of the State” has expressed concern over the recent trend of public insults directed at Ukrainian military personnel amidst ongoing discussions regarding personnel decisions in the defense sector. The organization asserts that political disagreements should not escalate into personal attacks on military officials.
In their statement, they specifically referenced former Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Yevheny Khmara, and current Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov, who previously led the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.
“Syrsky is a devil. Khmara is a devil. This is unacceptable! The next target could be any of our war heroes whose name becomes inconvenient for someone,” the NGO stated.
While reiterating that the right to protest against governmental decisions is reserved for citizens, the organization emphasized that political conflicts should not be transferred to the military realm.
“The ‘Defense of the State’ NGO has repeatedly organized and supported public demonstrations against corruption and abuses by officials and certain deputies. We have taken to the streets and will continue to do so. The issue is not whether to protest, but against whom the protest is directed. There is a clear line between demanding accountability from the authorities and publicly insulting military personnel. Slogans against military leadership and our heroic armed forces represent an information strike against those holding the front line,” the organization noted.
Furthermore, they acknowledged that criticism of military issues is permissible, including reports regarding alleged violations within the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelia.” However, they stressed the distinction between demanding investigations into potential infractions and publicly insulting military members.
Context
- In July 2026, protests occurred in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and other cities against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov from the defense minister position. Protesters demanded his return to the government, with some calling for the replacement of then-commander of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. Following Fedorov’s dismissal, Yevheny Khmara was appointed as defense minister. On July 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Syrsky and appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as the new commander of the Armed Forces.
- In June, Yuri Harkavyy, commander of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelia,” was suspended pending an internal investigation into reports of alleged torture and abuse of military personnel. In July, the State Bureau of Investigation charged two members of the regiment’s medical unit with assault and unlawful detention of two fellow servicemen, accusing them of torture and violations of military conduct guidelines.
- The “Defense of the State” NGO was registered on February 14, 2025, with Yuri Pryharovskyy listed as its leader. The organization positions itself as a coalition of veterans, volunteers, and active citizens focused on supporting military personnel, veterans, and their families, providing legal and psychological assistance. According to the NGO, it has regional, district, and city branches across Ukraine. Its website lists the names of local leaders, including Petro Vorona, head of the Poltava regional branch, Oleksiy Zemlyany, head of the Odesa branch, Ruslan Maistruk, head of the Kyiv branch, and Oleksandr Labetsky, head of the Lviv branch. In March, the organization stated that it is an independent civic initiative and not a political project.
