Zelenskyy replaces Ukraine military chief after protests | Russia-Ukraine war News
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Dismisses Military Chief Amid Ongoing War Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi from his position as commander-in-chief of the military, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi to take over leadership. This decision follows six days of protests in Kyiv, triggered by the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had reportedly clashed with Syrskyi prior to his dismissal.
Zelenskyy stated that the change was aimed at “resetting” Ukraine’s military strategy against Russia. In a social media statement, he expressed gratitude to Syrskyi and the nation’s troops for their front-line efforts. “Our shared wish is one – victory over the enemy,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the importance of addressing tensions within military leadership and improving mobilization and frontline management.
Fedorov, who was seen as a critical figure in the war effort, faced backlash from the public following his ousting. Prior to his dismissal, he had openly criticized Syrskyi, claiming that the general’s traditionalist approach hindered necessary reforms for Ukraine to effectively respond to Russia’s invasion. Fedorov had been advocating for advancements in drone technology and greater reliance on innovative military solutions, but he accused Syrskyi of impeding these efforts.
After Syrskyi’s removal, Zelenskyy met with Fedorov, offering him a prominent role in the government that would unify the technology sector. The status of Fedorov’s acceptance of this position remains unclear.
The recent military leadership changes may not quell the unrest among demonstrators demanding accountability and effective military strategies, especially amid rising Ukrainian casualties. According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission, 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 wounded in Ukraine during the first half of 2026, representing a 37 percent increase from the same period the previous year.
As hostilities escalate, both Moscow and Kyiv have intensified air strikes targeting each other’s critical infrastructure, while international efforts to negotiate a resolution to the conflict remain stalled. The U.S. has shifted its focus toward its own military engagements, particularly concerning Iran.
Despite the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, new military leader Drapatyi is regarded as a disciplined and effective officer. He was previously recognized for his leadership during the 2014 invasion of eastern Ukraine and played a key role in halting Russian advances in various regions.
Zelenskyy appointed Drapatyi as the ground forces commander in 2024, a position he resigned from in 2025 following a catastrophic Russian strike on a training center that resulted in significant troop casualties.
