Ukraine: President Zelenskyy Dismisses Army Chief Syrskyi Amid Protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, a move he announced Tuesday evening on Telegram. This decision comes after days of pressure from demonstrators and follows the earlier dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. General Mykhailo Drapatyi will assume the role of the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian military.

The country has seen widespread protests in numerous cities, largely triggered by Zelenskyy's decision to dismiss the popular and young Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov had reportedly been in conflict with Army Chief Syrskyi for some time. Syrskyi, 60, is characterized as a veteran officer trained during the Soviet era, contrasting with the 35-year-old Fedorov, who represents a generation that came of age in independent Ukraine.

Fedorov publicly acknowledged his conflict with Syrskyi after his departure, citing a divergence in strategic approaches to the war. Fedorov championed Ukraine's use of drones against Russian targets, a tactic praised in the West, and was seen as a reformer. Syrskyi, originally from Russia, has been the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces since February 2024 and gained recognition for his role in defending Kyiv and the successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region in 2022.

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Army Chief Olexander Syrskyj has been dismissed.

President Zelenskyy stated on the platform X that he had been engaged in discussions with military leaders for days in response to the ongoing street protests. He acknowledged listening to public sentiment, mentioning extensive conversations with both Fedorov and Syrskyi. According to Zelenskyy's spokesperson, Dmytro Lytwyn, another conversation with Fedorov took place on Tuesday evening. Details regarding Fedorov's new role remain unclear.

Thousands of mostly young people demonstrated for six consecutive days in Kyiv and other cities, demanding Fedorov's reinstatement. However, a primary demand from the protesters was the removal of Army Chief Syrskyi. While Syrskyi faced public pressure, some military circles reportedly offered him support. Jewhenij Chmara, a intelligence official, has temporarily taken over as acting Defense Minister, pending parliamentary confirmation.

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He listened to what people are saying. He also spoke at length with Fedorow and Syrskyi.