Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted on Saturday at possible changes in the military, as rare wartime protests shook the country for a third day in rejection of the defense minister's resignation.

Mykhailo Fedorov (35), a minister who led efforts in drone usage and military reform, submitted his resignation earlier this week as part of a controversial cabinet reshuffle by Zelenskyy.

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The demonstrations coincided with the president holding two-day meetings with top military commanders, amid media speculation that he may be seeking a replacement for army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Anti-government protests

Zelenskyy said in his evening address, 'There were many consultations yesterday and today. Of course, I hear what people are saying,' adding that he spoke with both Syrskyi and Fedorov. He added, 'Decisions regarding the army will be crystallized.' In Kyiv, an AFP correspondent saw protesters clapping and banging cardboard signs that became a symbol of anti-government protests last summer, chanting 'Shame' and 'Fedorov'.

In his first reaction to the protests, Fedorov wrote on Telegram, 'I thank you for the hope,' and continued, 'There is dialogue. And I believe things will go well.'