Zelensky Replaces Army Chief After Nationwide Protests

KYIV_Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi on Tuesday and appointed Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces, following days of nationwide protests calling for Syrskyi’s removal and broader military reforms.

The leadership change marks the second major policy reversal by Zelensky in response to public demonstrations within a year. It follows protests last summer that prompted him to reverse legislation weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs.

Announcing the appointment on social media, Zelensky said Drapatyi would lead the military with the objective of strengthening Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and increasing pressure on Russia.

“Our shared wish is one — victory over the enemy and conditions at the front and in pressure on Russia that would force Russia toward peace,” Zelensky said.

The president said he made the decision after holding a series of meetings with senior military commanders. The discussions began shortly after demonstrations erupted in Kyiv and other cities, where protesters demanded the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the dismissal of Syrskyi.

Demonstrators viewed Fedorov as a key figure in modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces, while criticizing Syrskyi for what they described as a Soviet-style, centralized command structure.

Despite replacing him, Zelensky praised Syrskyi for his role in Ukraine’s defense against Russia, highlighting his leadership during the defense of Kyiv and military operations in the Kharkiv and Kursk regions.

“I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine’s strong front-line positions,” Zelensky said.

Drapatyi, writing on Facebook after his appointment, said leading Ukraine’s military during the war carried “absolute responsibility.” He thanked Syrskyi for his work in strengthening the armed forces and pledged to serve with responsibility and respect for Ukrainian service members.

Zelensky said Drapatyi and other senior commanders had been tasked with presenting an updated defense strategy. The priorities include accelerating military reforms, speeding up weapons and drone deliveries, strengthening air defenses against Russian attacks and developing a clearer mobilization plan.

The future role of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov remains uncertain. Zelensky said he had offered Fedorov a senior government position aimed at coordinating Ukraine’s technology sector, although it was not immediately clear whether he would accept the proposal.

Fedorov welcomed Drapatyi’s appointment, describing it as “new hope” for Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Before Syrskyi’s dismissal, Fedorov had publicly accused the military chief of obstructing reforms and argued that new leadership was essential for Ukraine’s continued resistance.

He also thanked Syrskyi for his leadership during major military operations, including the defense of the Kyiv region and the Kharkiv campaign, while saying Ukraine now needed to move faster and learn from previous mistakes.

The current political crisis began last Thursday when Zelensky reshuffled his wartime government, replacing the prime minister and removing Fedorov as defense minister after six months in office. Zelensky said at the time that disagreements between Fedorov and Syrskyi had become impossible to resolve.

Fedorov’s dismissal prompted thousands of people to demonstrate in Kyiv and other cities, portraying the move as support for the military establishment over reform efforts. The protests also gained backing from military personnel, with the deputy commander of Ukraine’s Air Force resigning in protest and veterans and soldiers joining public demonstrations.

Criticism of Syrskyi had intensified in recent months. Protesters and some members of the military argued that his command style placed insufficient emphasis on protecting soldiers’ lives during costly frontline operations.

His standing came under further scrutiny after Ukrainian media outlet Babel published an investigation in June alleging abuses within the Skelia assault regiment, a unit closely associated with Syrskyi. The report documented dozens of recruit deaths and renewed criticism of military leadership, although no official findings were cited in the report.