Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky sacks top army commander after days of protests
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi following the recent removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as the new commander to lead the military.
Why it matters
Leadership changes in the Ukrainian military during an ongoing war are critical developments that could influence the country's defensive and offensive strategies against Russia.
Image source, Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Image caption, Oleksandr Syrskyi was praised by President Zelensky for successfully defending Ukraine's capital Kyiv in 2022
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country's army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
It comes just days after the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov - a move that triggered street protests across the country.
Initial rumours that the end of Fedorov's tenure was related to a conflict between him and Syrskyi were soon confirmed.
Fedorov, 35, has been widely praised for energising the ministry and transforming the armed forces, as well as leading a drive against corruption. Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many in Ukraine as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army.
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