Ukrainian soldiers welcome new army chief, hope for ex-minister Fedorov's return

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have reacted positively to the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi. However, there is also a strong undercurrent of hope for the return of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular figure seen as an innovator.

The Guardian reports that many Ukrainians are eager for Drapatyi to usher in an end to the Soviet-style command structures previously associated with Syrskyi. Fedorov's recent dismissal, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited partly due to disputes with Syrskyi, sparked protests calling for his reinstatement and Syrskyi's removal. Drapatyi's appointment was announced following these events.

Soldiers interviewed expressed a mix of relief and continued desire for reform. A 22-year-old soldier known as "Chrest" welcomed Syrskyi's departure but emphasized the wish for Fedorov's return. Fedorov had advocated for fixed-term military contracts, a key demand for many soldiers fighting without a set end date as the war with Russia enters its fifth year. Another soldier, "Ananas," praised Fedorov for his efforts to integrate drone technology, aiming to "lose fewer soldiers and have drones fight instead."

While Drapatyi, a 43-year-old respected "combat officer" with a history of heroism in 2014, is seen as a positive step by some, like nurse Svitlana, there are also warnings against idealizing the young politician. Oleh, a 69-year-old Kyiv resident, stated that Syrskyi's removal alone is insufficient, as public support for Fedorov remains strong. Student Tajisija Obodova hopes Fedorov will return to government to maintain the momentum of his reforms.