Zelenskyy replaces defense chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi from his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi to the role. Syrskyi had been leading Ukraine's armed forces since February 2024 and had recently faced significant public pressure. Thousands of demonstrators had protested outside the presidential office in Kyiv in the preceding week, calling for Syrskyi's removal. The protests were partly fueled by the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had clashed with Syrskyi and the General Staff. Fedorov, 35, served as defense minister for only six months but was credited by many for strengthening Ukraine's battlefield position against Russian forces. Zelenskyy announced that Fedorov had been offered a "decent position" focused on defense technology. Syrskyi, with 40 years of military experience, began his career during the Soviet era. In contrast, Fedorov, lacking a military background, had previously focused on public sector digitalization and prioritized innovation in warfare, including increased investment in domestic drone production and attacks on Russian logistics. Despite his short tenure, Fedorov had gained popularity and was lauded for Ukraine's battlefield advancements and for denying Russia access to Starlink. Following his dismissal, Fedorov had criticized the defense leadership for hindering the modernization of the armed forces.