In July 2026, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky fired his army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, just days after sacking the popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov — a double leadership shake-up that triggered nationwide protests. The moves mark the biggest military reshuffle in Ukraine in two years and reflect deep public anger over the direction of the war against Russia.
At the heart of the turmoil are two figures. Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, was seen by many Ukrainians as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to push radical changes in the army. He had been praised for successfully defending the capital Kyiv in the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but his recent leadership drew criticism. Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, was sacked as defence minister a week earlier. He had energised the ministry, transformed the armed forces, and led an anti-corruption drive. He was also a key figure behind Ukraine’s highly effective drone programme. His removal sparked street protests across the country.
“Why Ukraine’s president sacked his army chief and defence minister after mass protests.”
The dismissals grew out of a conflict between Syrskyi and Fedorov. Initial rumours of a rift were later confirmed. Fedorov was replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, a former top official at Ukraine’s Security Service. Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, a popular, battle-hardened general aged 43. In his farewell address, Syrskyi said he was handing over an army that is “not only holding the line but advancing,” and expressed hope the offensive would continue. Drapatyi promised to work “with full focus” and thanked Syrskyi for strengthening the army.
For UK readers, this saga matters because Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia’s invasion directly affects European security, and the UK has been a leading military and financial supporter of Kyiv. Changes in Ukraine’s top military command can alter the effectiveness of the war effort and the use of British-supplied equipment. The protests also show that Ukrainian society is demanding faster change and accountability, even during wartime.
Q: Why was Oleksandr Syrskyi fired as Ukraine’s army chief? Syrskyi was dismissed after a backlash over the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Many Ukrainians saw Syrskyi as a Soviet-style commander unwilling to make radical changes, and the protests that followed Fedorov’s sacking forced Zelensky to replace both top officials.
Q: What did Mykhailo Fedorov do as defence minister? Fedorov, 35, was widely praised for modernising the defence ministry, fighting corruption, and leading Ukraine’s drone programme, which inflicted significant damage on Russian forces. His removal after only six months in office triggered nationwide street protests.
Q: Who are the new military leaders, and what do they stand for? The new army commander is Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a popular general with battlefield experience. The new defence minister is Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior SBU official. Drapatyi has vowed to work “with respect” for soldiers, while Fedorov called the appointment a “new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice.”
What happens next is uncertain. Zelensky has said he offered Fedorov a “worthy position in power” but did not say whether he accepted. Meanwhile, protesters have said they will continue to demonstrate until Fedorov is reinstated as defence minister. Drapatyi’s leadership will be closely watched as Ukraine seeks to maintain its offensive momentum against Russia.