Zelensky Fires Army Commander Amidst Political Turmoil

President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Ukraine's Army Commander Oleksandr Syrsky, appointing Mykhailo Drapaty as his replacement. The move comes amid a political fallout that began with the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Syrsky, a veteran commander who trained in the Soviet military era and led the defense of Kyiv in 2022, had been in his post since 2024. His dismissal follows days of protests supporting Fedorov. The former defense minister alleged that Syrsky obstructed his reform efforts and pressured him to step down.

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I have decided that the new Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapaty.

"I have decided that the new Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapaty," Zelensky announced on Telegram. He also expressed gratitude to Syrsky and all military personnel for their contributions to defending Ukraine's front lines. The dispute highlights rare public disagreements within Ukraine's leadership as the country faces ongoing conflict.

Fedorov, 35, known for modernizing the armed forces, was appointed just six months prior to his removal. He claimed Syrsky blocked his reform proposals. Syrsky has denied these allegations. The internal friction surfaces as Ukrainian forces have recently managed to slow Russian advances and target oil refineries supporting Moscow's war effort.

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I express my gratitude to Oleksandr Syrsky and every member of the armed forces for their contributions to defending Ukraine's front lines.