Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed his military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Tuesday after nearly a week of protests demanding his removal.
The move followed Zelenskyy’s dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov whose disagreements with Syrskyi over military strategy contributed to the leadership crisis.
Critics contrasted Syrskyi’s conventional military approach with Fedorov’s push for a more technology-driven strategy focused on drones and other innovations. Demonstrators in Kyiv and other cities called for Syrskyi’s removal, warning that Fedorov’s departure could slow Ukraine’s efforts to modernize its military.
Despite dismissing Syrskyi, Zelenskyy praised his military record, saying, “It is a fact that Oleksandr Syrskyi delivered results for Ukraine in the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive, and the Kursk operation.”
“I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine’s strong positions on the front,” Zelenskyy added.
I have decided that Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together with Mykhailo, Yevhenii Khmara, and Pavlo Palisa, we determined how the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be reconfigured. It is a fact that… pic.twitter.com/spK2B2ppHP
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2026
Syrskyi will be replaced by Joint Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi, who previously commanded Ukraine’s Joint Forces.
Drapatyi said in a Facebook post that serving Ukraine “has always been an honor for me, and during this war for independence, it means absolute responsibility.” He also thanked Syrskyi for his work in strengthening the Ukrainian military.
“I will work responsibly, with focus and with respect for the people defending our state today,” Drapatyi added.
Zelenskyy said he expects Drapatyi and other military commanders to present an updated defense strategy, including continued reform of the corps system, faster deliveries of weapons and drones, stronger air defenses against Russian attacks and a clearer mobilization plan.
Zelenskyy also said he met with Fedorov earlier in the day and offered him a “worthy position in power,” but did not say whether Fedorov had accepted.
Fedorov was replaced last week by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official with Ukraine’s Security Service.
Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on his appointment, calling it a “new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice.” He said the appointment was “the voice of change that could not be ignored.”
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy reassured Ukrainians that the shake-up would reinforce the country’s war effort.
“We all want the same thing: to defeat the enemy and create the conditions – on the front line and through pressure on Russia – that would allow us to force Russia into peace. Tomorrow, we will formalize all of these decisions. Ukraine must emerge from this situation stronger, and it will be harder for Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
