Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces.
- Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as the new army chief.
- The change in leadership followed mass protests across Ukraine.
- Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov welcomed the appointment of Drapatyi.
- Fedorov had advocated for military modernization and clashed with Syrskyi.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday the dismissal of Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces, following days of widespread protests demanding his removal. The decision marks a significant shift in Ukraine's military leadership since the full-scale invasion by Russia.
Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as Syrskyi's successor. This appointment was welcomed by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had been dismissed weeks prior and had publicly criticized Syrskyi, advocating for a more technology-driven approach to the war. Fedorov described Drapaty's appointment as "a breath of fresh air and new hope."
Zelenskyy stated that the decision to replace Syrskyi came after meetings with senior military commanders. He thanked Syrskyi for his service, acknowledging his contributions to key wartime milestones such as the defense of Kyiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive. Zelenskyy also met with Fedorov, reportedly offering him a government position to unify the country's technology sector, though Fedorov's acceptance was not confirmed.
Drapatyi, 43, is seen as representing a younger generation of commanders focused on battlefield modernization, including the expanded use of drones and robotics. His promotion is viewed by reform advocates as an opportunity to accelerate innovation within the armed forces.