Zelenskyy appoints new commander of Ukraine's Armed Forces

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyj as the new commander of Ukraine's Armed Forces, according to reports from Ukrainian media. This decision comes after the dismissal of the former commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Zelenskyy stated that he, along with Mykhailo, Yevheniy Khmara, and Pavlo Palisa, has determined how the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be restructured. He acknowledged Syrskyi's significant role in defending Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive, and the Kursk operation, emphasizing the ongoing nature of Ukraine's defense and the need for respectful treatment of every soldier. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Syrskyi and all Ukrainian soldiers for maintaining strong positions on the front lines.

Reports of Syrskyi's dismissal began circulating in Ukrainian media, later confirmed by Zelenskyy. Rumors about Syrskyi's potential resignation emerged after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. These changes within the defense system also sparked protests in various Ukrainian cities.

Zelenskyy had previously explained that Fedorov's dismissal was due to insufficient cooperation between the Ministry of Defense and the leadership of the Armed Forces. Syrskyi, however, denied any conflict with Fedorov, characterizing disagreements between the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense as routine work disputes that were resolved through normal procedures. Fedorov later stated he had proposed a military leadership overhaul to Zelenskyy, but the president did not approve the initiative, after which the General Staff began rejecting proposed reforms.

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The fact is that Oleksandr Syrskyi ensured Ukraine's results in defending Kyiv, in the Kharkiv offensive operation, and in the Kursk operation. A significant path has been traveled, Ukraine's defense continues, therefore a respectful attitude towards every soldier is necessary. I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and every one of our soldiers for Ukraine's strong positions on the front line.