Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s Army Commander Syrskyi amid protests, appoints Drapatyi

Ukrainian President *Volodymyr Zelensky* has dismissed *Army Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi*, just days after the removal of popular *Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov* sparked nationwide protests.

The move appears to directly address public pressure over a growing rift at the top of Ukraine’s military leadership.

—The Dismissal—

In a video address late Tuesday, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi, 60, for his service, including his role in defending Kyiv during the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

“All decisions will be formalised tomorrow,” Zelensky said.

Syrskyi has been replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a battle-hardened and popular general viewed as more innovative and reform-minded.

“I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” Drapatyi said on Facebook.
He thanked Syrskyi “for his consistent work to strengthen the Ukrainian army,” adding: “I grew up in it.”

In a farewell Telegram post, Syrskyi defended his record: “An army that was fighting a difficult defensive campaign two years ago is now on the offensive. I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the line but is advancing… I sincerely hope this offensive will continue.”

—Protests Over Fedorov’s Removal—

The shake-up follows the dismissal last week of Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, which triggered six days of street protests across Ukraine.

Fedorov, a former minister of digital transformation, was widely praised for energising the defence ministry, tackling corruption, and bringing innovation to the war effort. He set up the volunteer “IT Army of Ukraine,” led the “Army of Drones” fundraising campaign, and introduced a system that awarded military units credits for hitting Russian assets.

Initial speculation that Fedorov’s exit was tied to tensions with Syrskyi was later confirmed. Syrskyi is seen by many in Ukraine as a “Soviet-school” commander reluctant to implement radical changes.

Fedorov was replaced by *Yevhenii Khmara*, a former top official at Ukraine’s Security Service, SBU.

In his video address, Zelensky said he met Fedorov earlier on Tuesday and offered him “a worthy position in power,” but did not say if it was accepted.

Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on the appointment, calling it “a new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice” and “the voice of change that could not be ignored.”

He also called Syrskyi to thank him for “the defence of the Kyiv region and other historic battles,” but added: “But we need to move even faster and write new chapters correcting all previous mistakes.”

—New Defence Strategy Ordered—

Zelensky has tasked both acting Defence Minister Khmara and new commander Drapatyi with developing a new defence strategy covering:

– Reforming the military corps system
– Weapons supply
– Drone operations

In a Monday op-ed for Militarny, Syrskyi said his relationship with Fedorov was “working,” adding: “If I offended anyone, Mykhailo Albertovych, I’m sorry.”

He warned that issues like contracts, procurement and mobilisation were more complex than public debate suggested: “Decisions on which people’s lives depend are not made with slogans. Real work, not the public drama surrounding it, wins the war.”

—What Happens Next—

Drapatyi is believed to be a close ally of Fedorov. Fedorov’s public endorsement of the new commander is expected to help defuse the political crisis of the past week.

However, protesters will still be watching to see if Fedorov returns to a position of real authority to continue driving military innovation.

If Zelensky gives him such a role, it may repair the immediate damage. But for many Ukrainians, the decision to sack Fedorov in the first place will not be easily forgiven.