Ukraine's ousted defence minister insists on being reinstated

Ukraine's ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has refused to accept an alternative post in Volodymyr Zelensky's government, insisting he wants his job back.

He thanked the president, but said there were "only three positions in the state - in addition to soldiers on the battlefield - which determine the course of the war: president, defence minister and commander-in-chief".

Zelensky said he had offered Fedorov several posts, including deputy prime minister.

Some protesters say the firing of Syrskyi is not enough, vowing to continue their street demonstrations until Fedorov is reinstated as defence minister.

In a statement sent to journalists on Thursday, Fedorov said his team had a "specific plan how to end the war" when he was appointed defence minister in January.

"For six months, we have consistently implemented this very plan. For the first time in recent years, Ukraine has begun to seize the initiative [on the battlefield].

"Our collective results have created something unprecedented - a window of opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength. And we cannot afford to lose it."

But Fedorov refused. It's not clear if his statement means that negotiations over his future are at an end.

Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said discussions were continuing "and it would be inappropriate to disclose details at this stage".

If Zelensky thought he had resolved this issue with the appointment of the new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, Fedorov's latest comments are a clear indication that this battle of wills remains unresolved.