Zelenskyy replaces Ukraine military chief after protests
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced military chief Oleksandr Syrskii with Mykhailo Drapatyi following public protests and internal leadership friction. The move aims to reset the defense strategy against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Why it matters
Leadership changes in the Ukrainian military during wartime are critical developments that could influence the trajectory of the conflict and international support.
Replaced military chief Syrskii clashed with former Defence Minister Fedorov, whose removal last week led to protests.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shakes hands with the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Mykhailo Drapatyi, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 20, 2026 [Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and AP Published On 21 Jul 2026 21 Jul 2026 | Updated: 14 minutes ago Updated: 14 minutes ago Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Oleksandr Syrskii as the country’s commander-in-chief, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the military.
The move comes after six days of protests in the capital, Kyiv, sparked by the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov , who had previously clashed with Syrskii.
Zelenskyy said Tuesday’s decision to appoint Drapatyi was made to “reset” the ongoing defence against Russia’s invading troops.
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