Key facts
- Mykhailo Fedorov stated he advocated for the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Fedorov's proposed personnel changes.
- Fedorov's comments came after his dismissal as defense minister on July 15.
- Fedorov cited a desire for "drastic personnel decisions" to achieve victory with minimal losses.
- Protests against Fedorov's dismissal took place in Kyiv.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed on July 16 that he had urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov. Fedorov stated that Zelensky rejected these proposals.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv the day after his dismissal as defense minister, Fedorov described his suggestions as "drastic personnel decisions" necessary for achieving victory "asymmetrically, with minimal losses." He noted that Syrskyi and Hnatov are often criticized by younger soldiers for a top-down, Soviet-era command style.
Fedorov, who served as defense minister for six months and attempted significant reforms, emphasized the need for such changes. His dismissal on July 15 caused considerable political shock. On July 16, an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people, including soldiers and veterans, protested his removal in Kyiv, hoping he would address issues like mobilization and manpower shortages.
Despite differing visions for the war, Fedorov stated he told Zelensky he would learn to work with Syrskyi, asserting that "our client is the Ukrainian people." He claimed his initiatives were blocked and that he remained patient until Syrskyi issued an ultimatum, accusing Syrskyi of dividing the country instead of focusing on winning.