Zelensky dismisses army chief after days of protests
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed army chief Oleksandr Syrsky following political unrest and internal military friction. Major General Mykhailo Drapaty has been appointed as the new commander-in-chief to lead the armed forces.
Why it matters
Leadership changes in the Ukrainian military during an active conflict signal significant internal political shifts that could impact war strategy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed his Soviet-trained army chief Oleksandr Syrsky following a political crisis triggered by the removal of a popular, young and tech-savvy defence minister.
Mr Zelensky announced he was appointing joint forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty in his place.
Mr Syrsky, 60, had served in the role since 2024 and was among Kyiv's most experienced commanders, having led the defence of the city at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
His removal came after days of protests in support of ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who accused Mr Syrsky of forcing him out and stalling his attempt to reform the military.
"I have decided that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapaty," Mr Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.
"I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrsky and to each of our warriors for Ukraine's strong frontline positions."
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