Zelenskyy names new Ukrainian commander-in-chief amid military shake-up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, a young general, as the commander-in-chief of the nation's military, marking the most significant leadership change since Russia's invasion.

General Drapatyi, 43, replaces the 60-year-old Oleksandr Syrskyi, a respected commander who previously led the country's land forces. This shake-up follows days of street protests triggered by the surprise dismissal of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The changes also highlight an ongoing tension within Ukraine's military, pitting those who champion technological advancements against a more traditionalist old guard.

President Zelenskyy had recently ousted the tech-savvy reformist Fedorov, 35, who spearheaded drone innovation efforts. Fedorov had reportedly clashed with Syrskyi, accusing him of hindering his work. Drapatyi, however, garnered support from some protesters who had rallied demanding Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrskyi's removal.

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Ukraine's plan for long-range sanctions and our program of middle-range strikes will be carried out with absolute precision.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's defense operations must proceed steadily, with long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes executed with "absolute precision." The reshuffle occurs as Kyiv intensifies its strategy of striking Russia's energy sector and logistics to gain an advantage. Fedorov's dismissal had raised concerns among analysts about Ukraine potentially losing its recent battlefield momentum.

In a Facebook post, General Drapatyi expressed gratitude to Syrskyi for his contributions to strengthening the military. "I grew up in it," Drapatyi said of the army, vowing to work "responsibly, with focus and with respect for the people defending our state today." Syrskyi, who played a crucial role in Kyiv's early defense and held the top post since early 2024, had faced criticism for a rigid command style perceived to cause high troop losses. Zelenskyy mentioned discussing Syrskyi's future service with him and offered Fedorov a "decent post" to oversee technological aspects of the state.

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I grew up in it. I will work responsibly, with focus and with respect for the people defending our state today.