Zelensky Sacks His Army Chief After Days of Kyiv Protests
President Zelensky has dismissed his commander-in-chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and named the ground-forces commander, Major-General Mykhailo Drapatyi, to lead Ukraine’s army. The move follows nearly a week of protests in Kyiv, sparked by the earlier removal of the defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, with demonstrators demanding Syrskyi’s departure. Mr Zelensky has ordered the new command to produce an updated defence strategy.
It is the most significant shake-up of Ukraine’s military leadership since the full-scale invasion began, and comes as Russia intensifies long-range strikes exploiting a shortage of Patriot interceptors. The new brief reportedly spans corps reform, faster drone and weapons deliveries, stronger air defence and clearer mobilisation rules. Protesters had also demanded Mr Fedorov’s reinstatement, a mark of febrile wartime politics as the front lines barely move. Watch whether the command change steadies morale or deepens the rift between the presidency and the army.