Zelenskyy replaces top general amid protests over minister's dismissal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday the replacement of the nation's top general, a move that appears to partially accommodate demands from protesters. The decision comes six days after demonstrations began against the dismissal of a reform-oriented former minister.

Zelenskyy stated via Telegram that Mykhailo Drapatyi will be appointed as the new Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He also indicated that decisions regarding the restructuring of the General Staff would be made in collaboration with Drapatyi, acting Defense Minister Yevhen Hmara, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Halimon. Zelenskyy mentioned he had spoken with the outgoing Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of Staff Andriy Hnatov about their future roles and the smooth transfer of responsibilities, with all decisions to be formalized soon.

Drapatyi has commanded units in various sectors of the front against Russia since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He was appointed commander of the Ground Forces in 2024 but resigned after a Russian airstrike on a Ukrainian military training ground. Zelenskyy subsequently appointed him as Joint Forces Commander.

The personnel change follows six days of protests initiated on February 15, opposing the dismissal of the former minister, identified as a "hero of drone warfare." Protesters had called for the former minister's return and Syrskyi's removal. The former minister, known for championing military reforms through advanced technology, reportedly had significant conflicts with Syrskyi, who represents the older Soviet-style military leadership. Following his dismissal, the former minister accused Syrskyi of obstructing military reforms and demanded leadership changes.