Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed army chief Oleksandr Syrsky on Tuesday amid a political crisis sparked by the removal of popular, young defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelensky appointed joint forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty as Syrsky’s replacement.
Syrsky, 60, who had served since 2024 and played a key role in defending Kyiv during Russia’s 2022 invasion, was ousted following protests supporting Fedorov, who accused Syrsky of obstructing military reforms and pressuring Zelensky to remove him.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Syrsky and the armed forces but emphasized the need for new leadership. The controversy currently has highlighted divisions within Ukraine’s military and political ranks during a period of strategic progress against Russia, with Ukrainian forces slowing Russian advances and striking key targets.
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