Key facts
- Ukrainian military commanders backed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests.
- Protests continue demanding the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Syrskyi's retention.
- Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking reforms and creating a culture of lies.
- President Zelensky dismissed Fedorov, citing a lack of cooperation between him and Syrskyi.
- Syrskyi faces criticism for his Soviet-style command culture and perceived disregard for soldiers' lives.
Ukrainian military commanders have publicly backed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi amidst ongoing protests demanding his dismissal and the reinstatement of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The protests, which have continued for a second day, highlight deep divisions within Ukraine's wartime leadership.
Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, accused Syrskyi of blocking reforms, fostering a culture of lies, and attempting to undermine him. Fedorov stated that Syrskyi presented Zelensky with an ultimatum to remove him as defense minister, suggesting Syrskyi was more focused on internal division than defeating Russia.
President Zelensky acknowledged the lack of cooperation between Fedorov and Syrskyi, stating that their inability to work together without his mediation led to Fedorov's dismissal. Zelensky indicated that a choice had to be made between the two.
Syrskyi has faced internal military criticism since early 2024, with some viewing him as a symbol of an outdated Soviet-style command culture. His leadership has been criticized for micromanagement, costly assaults, and a perceived disregard for the lives of rank-and-file soldiers, particularly amid Ukraine's manpower crisis. His tenure has been marked by a war of attrition, with critics questioning his strategic vision.
Syrskyi, a graduate of a Moscow military academy, achieved notable successes in the defense of Kyiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022. However, his leadership during the attritional Battle of Bakhmut also drew criticism for high attrition rates among Ukrainian units. He replaced Valerii Zaluzhnyi as Commander-in-Chief in February 2024.