Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Army Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement, just days after the removal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov triggered nationwide protests.
The leadership shake-up comes amid mounting public pressure and appears aimed at easing growing concerns over divisions within Ukraine’s military leadership.
In a video address late Tuesday, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the 60-year-old Syrskyi for his years of service, particularly his role in helping defend Kyiv during the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The appointment of Drapatyi marks another major change in Ukraine’s military command as the government seeks to restore public confidence and strengthen its leadership during the ongoing war.
