Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of nationwide protests over the removal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Fedorov’s dismissal last week triggered public demonstrations and exposed growing divisions within Ukraine’s military leadership over the country’s strategy in the war with Russia.
Zelensky has offered Fedorov a senior government role focused on advancing Ukraine’s technological development, although it remains unclear whether he will accept.
During his tenure as defence minister, Fedorov gained recognition for promoting military innovation, particularly the expanded use of drones, which have played a key role in slowing Russian advances and striking targets inside Russia.
As criticism of Syrskyi intensified, Zelensky met with senior military commanders on Monday, signalling that public concerns had been acknowledged.
Before his dismissal, Syrskyi defended his leadership in a published statement, arguing that transforming a million-strong army into a drone-focused force could not happen overnight and warning against rushed military reforms.
Syrskyi has been replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, the commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces, who is widely known for his role in defending Mariupol in 2014.
Fedorov welcomed Drapatyi’s appointment, describing it as “a new wind and a new hope” for Ukraine, while also thanking Syrskyi for his service to the country.
