Volodymyr Zelensky has fired Ukraine's army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in the country's biggest military shake-up in two years – a move that came just days after street protests erupted over the sacking of the popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Protests broke out nationwide after Zelensky removed Fedorov last week. The 35-year-old former digital transformation minister had been widely praised for energising the defence ministry, transforming the armed forces, leading an anti-corruption drive, and overseeing a highly effective drone programme that inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces overnight. His dismissal triggered immediate backlash, with protesters now vowing to continue until he is reinstated.
“Zelensky sacks army chief Syrskyi after protests over Fedorov's removal; protesters demand reinstatement.”
Initial rumours that Fedorov's removal was linked to a conflict with Syrskyi were soon confirmed. Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many Ukrainians as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army, despite his role in successfully defending Kyiv during the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
In a farewell address on Telegram, 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."
His replacement is Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a popular, battle-hardened general. "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."
Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his military campaigns in a video post late on Tuesday, including his defence of Kyiv. The president also revealed that he had met Fedorov and offered him a "worthy position in power", but did not say whether the offer had been accepted. Fedorov was replaced as defence minister by Yevhenii Khmara, a former top official at Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).
Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on his appointment, describing it as "new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice". He called Syrskyi to thank him for the defence of the Kyiv region and other "historic battles", but added: "We need to move even faster and write new chapters correcting all previous mistakes."
Despite the sackings, protesters say they will not stop until Fedorov is reinstated – a demand that remains unmet as Zelensky's shake-up continues.