Zelensky replaces Army Chief Syrsky with General Drapaty

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Army Chief General Oleksandr Syrsky, appointing General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Commander of the Armed Forces. Zelensky announced the decision late Tuesday, stating it was made in agreement with the Army's top commanders. He indicated that Syrsky would be assigned a new role.

The shake-up follows a political crisis that intensified last week after former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov attributed his departure from the ministry to a conflict with Syrsky. Fedorov accused the general of failing to adapt to modern warfare, particularly drone technology, and described him as authoritarian and outdated.

Thousands have recently taken to the streets demanding Fedorov's return to his ministerial post and Syrsky's dismissal. In response to the criticism, Syrsky on Monday highlighted the prominent role drones have played under his command in Ukraine's war strategy. He also credited his leadership for the recent improvements in Ukraine's war situation.

General Syrsky assumed the position of Army Chief in February 2024, replacing Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed due to disagreements with Zelensky. Zelensky also offered Fedorov, who had previously rejected other government positions, a significant role related to technological modernization, a field he championed as Defense Minister. It remains unclear if Fedorov has accepted this latest proposal.

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I have decided that the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapaty.