DistantNews
Support us
Zelenskyy replaces army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi
🇸🇰 Slovakia /Conflict & Security

Zelenskyy replaces army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi

From SME · () Slovak

Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
  • Zelenskyy thanked the outgoing commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, for his service and acknowledged his past successes.
  • The change in leadership follows protests and internal conflicts, including the dismissal of the Defense Minister.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a significant shift in military leadership, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the outgoing commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, for his contributions during a critical period for the nation.

Zelenskyy highlighted Syrskyi's role in key Ukrainian victories, including the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive operation, and the Kursk operation. "It is a fact that Oleksandr Syrskyi secured Ukraine's successes in defending Kyiv, in the Kharkiv offensive operation, and the Kursk operation," Zelenskyy stated.

I have decided that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapatyi... Thank you to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to each of our soldiers for maintaining strong positions on the front.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyPresident Zelenskyy announced the appointment of the new Commander-in-Chief and thanked the outgoing leader and soldiers.

The leadership change comes in the wake of public protests and internal political tensions. Demonstrations erupted on July 15 following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, reportedly due to a conflict with Syrskyi. Protesters demanded Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrskyi's removal.

Syrskyi, who took command in 2024, has been a central figure in Ukraine's defense strategy. While credited with major successes, he has also faced criticism, earning the nickname "the butcher" due to concerns over troop casualties. His tenure has been marked by both strategic achievements and controversy.

It is a fact that Oleksandr Syrskyi secured Ukraine's successes in defending Kyiv, in the Kharkiv offensive operation, and the Kursk operation.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyPresident Zelenskyy acknowledged the past achievements of the former Commander-in-Chief.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog