KYIV/ROME: Protesters in Kyiv began an ongoing rally, which they said would continue until President Volodymyr Zelenskiy brings back former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Fedorov was removed during a government reshuffle that was not clearly explained and has now caused a political crisis.

The protests reached their peak last week, when thousands of people gathered in the streets. They called for Fedorov to be reinstated and for the removal of the then commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Some protesters accused Syrskyi of ignoring the lives of soldiers and slowing down the modernization of the army.

Even after Zelenskiy replaced Syrskyi with a widely respected commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, hundreds of protesters returned to stand outside the presidential office on July 24 and continued their demonstration.

The crowd chanted that they had stood before, were standing now, and would continue to stand.

The protest organizer, Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a military veteran, told Reuters that he believed people were ready to continue the protest for as long as necessary.

Zelenskiy had earlier said that Fedorov was dismissed because of a serious and unsolvable conflict with Syrskyi. He offered Fedorov several alternative roles, including the position of vice prime minister for defense innovation.

However, Fedorov, who is 35 and known for improving the defense ministry, publicly rejected these offers. He explained that none of the roles had real authority to carry out the reforms that were needed.

Koziatynskyi said that people did not want Fedorov to return just as a symbolic figure, but as an active reformer. He added that the positions offered by the president did not give enough power or the right tools to continue meaningful reforms.

Protesters carried handmade cardboard signs, which have become a symbol of the movement. Some signs said "Bring Fedorov back," "I am here for those who are for me there," referring to soldiers on the front line, and "Fedorov for defense minister." Another sign in English said, "Let the manager manage."

Many people praise Fedorov for introducing technology-based reforms that are important for the military, fighting corruption in the defense sector, and contributing to Ukraine's recent successes in the war with Russia.

His removal came at a critical time, as Ukrainian forces are trying to gain the upper hand and are carrying out strikes on military and energy targets deep inside Russian territory. At the same time, Ukraine continues to face deadly air attacks and fighting on the front lines from Russia.

Because of the public backlash, Zelenskiy has not yet formally nominated a replacement for Fedorov for parliament to approve, even though Fedorov had been in the role for only six months.

Yevhenii Khmara, who had been serving as acting head of Ukraine's domestic security service, was appointed as the acting defense minister.

In Rome, Italy's defense minister Guido Crosetto offered Fedorov a job as an adviser.

Crosetto said that he had called Fedorov the day after his dismissal and invited him to come to Rome to work with him as an adviser.

When asked about Fedorov's response, Crosetto said that Fedorov was deeply touched and saw the offer as a sign of respect and friendship.

Crosetto also praised Fedorov for leading military innovation, saying that he was one of the people who had completely changed how warfare is carried out on the battlefield. He added that Fedorov helped Ukraine first resist Russia's invasion and then take back the initiative by changing battlefield methods using new technologies.