Ukraine is navigating a leadership shake-up amid its ongoing war with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sparking protests and highlighting tensions between military traditionalists and innovators. Zelenskyy has appointed Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara as interim defense minister, but his formal approval faces bureaucratic hurdles and a confirmation vote in Parliament. Fedorov, known for advancing drone technology, has defended his record. Meanwhile, Russian attacks have killed civilians in Ukraine, and Ukraine has targeted Russian vessels in the Black Sea. The situation remains tense as both countries continue their military campaigns.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shook up his wartime government, drawing thousands into the streets across Ukraine to protest the dismissal of his youthful defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. He was seen as an innovator of the country's successful drone technology but clashed with the more traditional military establishment. The personnel overhaul, which included replacing his prime minister, could become a test of Zelenskyy's political authority as Ukraine's fight against Russia's full-scale invasion approaches 4½ years. The moves threw Ukraine's military leadership into an unwelcome crisis just as its actions against Russia were starting to bear fruit and came against a backdrop of Moscow's unrelenting aerial attacks.

Russia has unleashed a massive drone and missile barrage on civilian areas of Ukraine and is stepping up ground attacks along the front. Ukrainian officials said Tuesday the aerial strikes have killed six people and injured at least 46. Ukraine's air force says Russia fired nearly 400 long-range drones overnight, plus cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine's military commander says Russia is trying to break through front-line defenses in several key areas. The Institute for the Study of War says the spring-summer offensive appears underway. Ukraine leans on advanced drones to offset troop shortages. It also seeks more Patriot missiles to blunt the air campaign.