Zelenskyy fires Ukraine's army chief, reappoints Fedorov after protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired the country’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and offered a prominent position to the recently dismissed defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, in a dramatic reshuffle announced late Tuesday. The move came after days of nationwide protests demanding Syrskyi’s removal and Fedorov’s reinstatement, marking one of the most serious political crises since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

A Sudden Reshuffle Amid Nationwide Protests

In a televised address, Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his service, crediting him with leading the successful defence of Kyiv in 2022 and orchestrating a bold counter-invasion of Russia’s Kursk province in summer 2024 — the first time foreign tanks rolled onto Russian soil since World War II. But the president also acknowledged the public outcry that had erupted after Fedorov, a reform-minded defence minister, was sacked a week earlier. Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in Kyiv and other cities, demanding Syrskyi’s resignation and Fedorov’s return, with protest organisers promising indefinite demonstrations if their demands were not met by a Friday deadline.

New Commander-in-Chief: Mykhailo Drapatyi

Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Drapatyi, a well-regarded battlefield commander who gained national fame for driving an infantry fighting vehicle through a barricade set up by pro-Russian militants in Mariupol in 2014, is known for his innovative approach and use of modern technology. He most recently served as commander of Ukraine’s joint forces group. The Ukrainian media outlet Babel described him as one of the country’s most capable commanders, but noted that his primary task will be reforming the military institution rather than leading troops on the front line. Zelenskyy said Drapatyi would oversee a reorganisation of the army’s command structure.

Fedorov Returns to Government

Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed as defence minister last week, welcomed Drapatyi’s appointment, calling it "a breath of fresh air and new hope." He added that the high expectations of the Ukrainian people must be met with a clear vision for ending the war, including saving soldiers’ lives, automating the frontline, and crippling the Russian economy through asymmetric strikes. Fedorov, a popular figure known for his attempts to reform the military and push for adoption of data and technology, had clashed with the old-school Syrskyi. His return is seen as a victory for the protesters. Zelenskyy said Fedorov would be offered a "prominent position" in the government, though the exact role was not immediately specified.

What Comes Next

The reshuffle appears aimed at defusing public anger while maintaining continuity in Ukraine’s defence strategy. Zelenskyy confirmed that long-range drone attacks on Russian targets, such as oil refineries, would continue under Drapatyi’s command. "Our programme of precision strikes will be implemented with absolute precision," he said, promising a smooth handover. Analysts say the appointment of Drapatyi and the return of Fedorov signal a shift toward a more technology-driven, reformist approach within Ukraine’s military leadership. The coming weeks will test whether the new team can deliver the decisive actions protesters demand, while keeping the pressure on Russian forces across the front line.