KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the country’s new military chief following days of nationwide protests demanding changes in military leadership.
Announcing the decision on social media, Zelensky said the appointment reflects Ukraine’s determination to strengthen its military leadership and continue the country’s fight against Russia.
“Our shared wish is one — victory over the enemy and conditions at the front and in pressure on Russia that would force Russia toward peace,” Zelensky said.
According to the Ukrainian president, the decision followed a series of meetings with senior military commanders after demonstrations erupted in Kyiv and several other cities.
The protests called for the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who many demonstrators view as a key figure in modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces, while criticizing Gen. Syrskyi as representing an outdated Soviet-style command structure.
Despite replacing the military chief, Zelensky praised Syrskyi for his leadership during the war with Russia, highlighting his role in the defense of Kyiv and military operations in the Kharkiv and Kursk regions.
“I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine’s strong front-line positions,” Zelensky said.
The president also confirmed meeting with former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and offered him what he described as a senior government role aimed at coordinating Ukraine’s technology sector. However, it remains unclear whether Fedorov has accepted the proposal.
It is also uncertain whether the leadership changes will satisfy protesters and help ease political tensions in the country.
