Zelensky sacks Ukraine army chief Syrskyi after protests over defense minister ouster

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi, the country's army commander-in-chief, just days after the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov sparked widespread street protests. Zelensky named General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a younger and popular battlefield commander, as Syrskyi's successor in a bid to defuse the political crisis.

A week of turmoil in Ukraine's defense leadership

The shake-up began when Fedorov, 35, was replaced as defense minister by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official at Ukraine's Security Service. Fedorov had been widely praised for modernizing the ministry, rooting out corruption, and using data-driven strategies to improve frontline performance. His dismissal triggered six days of protests across Ukraine, with many citizens demanding accountability and transparency. Initially, rumors suggested a conflict between Fedorov and Syrskyi, which were later confirmed, putting pressure on Zelensky to also remove the army chief.

Who are the key players?

Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, is a seasoned commander from the Soviet school who was credited with successfully defending Kyiv in the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. However, he faced criticism for resisting radical changes in the military. His successor, Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, is seen as a reform-minded general with extensive combat experience. In a Facebook post, Drapatyi pledged to work responsibly and with respect for Ukraine's defenders, thanking Syrskyi for his contributions. He also noted that he 'grew up in the army,' signaling continuity alongside a push for innovation.

Fedorov, meanwhile, congratulated Drapatyi, calling his appointment a 'new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice.' He described it as 'the voice of change that could not be ignored.' Fedorov also revealed he called Syrskyi to thank him for defending the Kyiv region and other historic battles, but added that Ukraine needs to move faster and correct past mistakes.

Reforms and the way forward

Fedorov, a former minister of digital transformation, was instrumental in setting up the volunteer 'IT Army of Ukraine' to launch cyber-attacks against Russia and led the successful 'Army of Drones' fundraising campaign. He introduced elements of 'gamification' to the war effort, awarding credits to units that hit Russian assets. His ousting had raised concerns among Western allies about the stability of Ukraine's defense leadership.

President Zelensky met with Fedorov and offered him a 'worthy position in power,' though it remains unclear if Fedorov accepted. Acting Defense Minister Khmara and General Drapatyi have been tasked with developing a new defense strategy covering corps reform, weapons supply, and drone warfare.

Political implications

By replacing Syrskyi with Drapatyi—who is believed to be a close friend of Fedorov—Zelensky appears to have bowed to public pressure. Fedorov's clear endorsement of Drapatyi may help defuse the political crisis. Syrskyi has not publicly commented on his dismissal, though in a recent op-ed he described his relationship with Fedorov as 'a working one' and apologized if he caused offense.

Looking ahead, these changes signal a shift toward younger, more innovative leadership in Ukraine's defense establishment. The new team's ability to implement reforms and maintain the momentum against Russian aggression will be closely watched by both Ukrainians and international partners.