President Replaces Top Military Commander Amid Pressure for Defence Reforms
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of nationwide protests sparked by the removal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The decision marks a major shake-up in Ukraine’s military leadership as the country continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Syrskyi, 60, has been replaced by 43-year-old General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a respected frontline commander widely viewed as a more modern and reform-minded military leader.
Protests Follow Fedorov’s Removal
Public anger intensified after Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week.
The 35-year-old had earned widespread praise for modernising Ukraine’s defence ministry, fighting corruption and introducing innovative technology to strengthen the armed forces.
Rumours of tensions between Fedorov and Syrskyi were later confirmed, fuelling calls for the army chief’s dismissal.
The protests continued for six days, with demonstrators demanding reforms and a change in military leadership.
Zelensky Thanks Syrskyi for His Service
In a video address, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his service, highlighting his role in helping defend Kyiv during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The president also revealed that he had met with Fedorov and offered him what he described as a “worthy position in power,” although it remains unclear whether the former defence minister has accepted the offer.
Fedorov was replaced as defence minister by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official in Ukraine’s Security Service.
New Army Chief Welcomed
Fedorov welcomed Drapatyi’s appointment, calling it “a new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice.”
He described the move as “the voice of change that could not be ignored.”
Fedorov also thanked Syrskyi for his leadership during several key battles, including the defence of the Kyiv region, but stressed that Ukraine must continue evolving.
“We need to move even faster and write new chapters, correcting previous mistakes,” he said.
Focus Turns to Military Reform
Before becoming defence minister in January, Fedorov served as Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, where he launched the “IT Army of Ukraine” to coordinate cyber operations against Russia.
He also spearheaded the successful “Army of Drones” initiative, introducing technology and data-driven strategies to improve battlefield performance.
Following the leadership changes, Zelensky has instructed acting Defence Minister Khmara and General Drapatyi to develop a new defence strategy focusing on military reforms, drone capabilities, weapons procurement and restructuring Ukraine’s armed forces.
Syrskyi has not publicly commented on his dismissal.
While Zelensky’s decision may ease immediate political tensions, many Ukrainians are expected to continue watching closely to see whether Fedorov is given a significant leadership role in shaping the country’s future defence strategy.
