Ukraine's Zelenskyy replaces army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi amid mass protests over defense reforms
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6 days · 6 summary articles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the country's army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement on Tuesday. The move comes amid ongoing mass protests in Kyiv and across Ukraine, which began after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week.
Zelenskyy announced the decision in a video post on social media late on Tuesday, thanking Syrskyi for his service and praising his role in key military operations, including the defense of Kyiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive. "Oleksandr Syrskyi ensured Ukraine's results in the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv counteroffensive, and the Kursk operation," Zelenskyy said. "A significant path has been traveled. The defense of Ukraine continues, and every warrior deserves dignified treatment. I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our soldiers for Ukraine's strong frontline positions."
The protests erupted after Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov, one of Ukraine's youngest and most popular senior officials, on July 15. Demonstrators demanded Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrskyi's removal, accusing the general of blocking military reforms and maintaining a Soviet-style command structure. Fedorov had been widely praised for his efforts to modernize the military and combat corruption.
Drapatyi, 43, is a battle-hardened general who has earned a reputation as one of Ukraine's most respected senior commanders. He played a key role in the defense of Kryvyi Rih and the liberation of Kherson, and was widely viewed by protesters, soldiers, and veterans as the leading candidate to replace Syrskyi. In a Facebook post, Drapatyi said he would work responsibly and with respect for those defending the country. "I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today," he said.
Fedorov welcomed Drapatyi's appointment, describing it as a "new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice." He also thanked Syrskyi for his service but emphasized the need for faster reforms. "But we need to move even faster and write new chapters correcting all previous mistakes," Fedorov said.
Zelenskyy had offered Fedorov a new position in power, but it is unclear whether the offer was accepted. The president's latest decisions have drawn criticism from lawmakers, veterans, and members of the public, many of whom argue that removing Fedorov risks undermining reforms at the Defense Ministry while leaving concerns about military leadership unaddressed.
The protests, which began on July 16, have been the largest in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion. Demonstrators have called for the reinstatement of Fedorov and the removal of Syrskyi, whom they accuse of being reluctant to implement radical changes in the army. Syrskyi, 60, has faced criticism for his leadership style, which some describe as micromanagement and rooted in Soviet military doctrine.
Drapatyi's appointment confirms Zelenskyy's decision to renew the military leadership rather than reinstate Fedorov. However, the crisis may not be fully resolved, as the reinstatement of Fedorov remains a key demand of the protesters. The decision to replace Syrskyi is seen as a response to public pressure, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to satisfy the demonstrators.
In his statement, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity and the need to continue the fight against Russian aggression. "We all have the same desire—to defeat the enemy and create such conditions at the front and such pressure on Russia that it will be forced to make peace," he said.
The new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, is seen as a symbol of a new generation of military leaders who are more open to adaptation and reform. His appointment is expected to bring fresh energy to the Ukrainian military's efforts to defend the country against Russian forces.
The protests have highlighted the tensions within Ukraine's military and political leadership, with different approaches to military strategy and organizational culture. While Syrskyi favored a centralized command structure, Fedorov and his supporters have pushed for more decentralized and innovative approaches to warfare, including the use of drones and electronic warfare.
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Articles
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