There are still protests calling for former Defense Minister Fedorov to be reinstated. While the appointment of the new commander-in-chief, Drapatyi, has been met with broad approval from both the Ukrainian public and soldiers on the front lines, Zelenskyy is no longer nearly as popular because many Ukrainians believe he has undermined anti-corruption reforms. Many protesters continue to call for Fedorov's return to Defense Minister, the only position he has publicly said he is willing to accept.
The Sea of Azov and much of the Black Sea have effectively been closed to Russian shipping. Truck traffic into Crimea has been severely constrained, as Ukrainian drones monitor the few bridges connecting the peninsula to the mainland. Ferry operations in the south have also been heavily disrupted, and the Kerch Bridge has reportedly been damaged to the point that only about 25% of its previous throughput remains. As a result, Russia has become increasingly dependent on cargo and oil vessels to supply Crimea and move exports.
Over the past two weeks, Ukraine has reportedly damaged nearly 200 vessels, creating a level of disruption that has been compared to the impact Iran's actions had on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia is also launching satellites to build its own space-based internet network similar to Starlink. At its current deployment rate, however, it could take roughly two years before the system is operational. Russia is also experimenting with systems designed to jam Starlink communications.
Ukraine has begun targeting warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer. In addition to consumer goods, Wildberries is reportedly used to distribute items such as body armor, drone components, and other equipment that Russian soldiers often purchase themselves. Each warehouse is estimated to represent an investment of roughly €1 billion. Ukraine has reportedly been striking about two warehouses per day. Beyond the direct economic damage, these attacks also disrupt the logistics needed to support what many expect could be a major Russian mobilization this fall.
While Ukraine currently appears to hold an advantage in technology and operational innovation, many view Fedorov as one of the principal architects behind that edge. Critics argue that President Zelenskyy continues to balance retaining political control instead of keeping the most effective reformers in positions of authority.
While there was a discussion on whether winning the war should take precedence over corruption reform, more and more people are seeing that they can't win the war without corruption reform. Unfortunately the power brokers behind Zelenskyy who are in league with the former Commander in Chief, are the same ones charged of massive corruption crimes.