Zelenskyy replaces Ukrainian army chief after protests demand change in military leadership | Today’s news
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on Tuesday (local time) dismissed his military commander and named his replacement after mass protests in Kiev and several other cities in the country called for his removal.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the military commander, has now been replaced by Mykhailo Drapatya, according to a statement Zelensky shared on Telegram. He tried to play down any disagreements among the members of his camp, saying: “Our common wish is one – victory over the enemy and the conditions at the front and the pressure on Russia that would force Russia to peace.”
It is the second major change Zelenskyi has made under public pressure after last year’s protests forced him to reverse the relaxation of a law that weakened the country’s anti-corruption patrols.
The decision came shortly after Zelenskyy held a series of meetings with military commanders that began shortly after protests erupted demanding the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Ukrainians see him as the man behind the modernization of their war effort. Syrskyi, on the other hand, embodied the old Soviet-style army command culture.
Zelenskyy thanked Syrsky for his achievements in Ukraine’s fight against Russia and praised him for the defense of Kyiv and the operations in Kharkiv and Kursk.
“I am grateful to Oleksandr the Syrian and to each of our warriors for the strong position of Ukraine in the front line,” he said. “I’m grateful to Mykhailo Drapatya for holding the same view.
Drapatyi later wrote in a Facebook post that serving his country “has always been an honor for me and during this war of independence it means absolute responsibility”. He also thanked Syrsky for the consistent work he devoted to strengthening the Ukrainian army.
“I grew up in it,” he added, referring to the military. “I will work responsibly, focused and with respect for the people who defend our state today.”
Zelensky wants an updated defense strategy
Ukraine’s president said commanders must come up with an updated defense strategy that would include continued reform of the corps system, faster deliveries of drones and weapons, stronger air defense systems against Moscow’s airstrikes, as well as a clear mobilization plan.
Although Fedorov’s position in the government remains in doubt, the Associated Press reported that Zelensky met with him on Tuesday and offered him a decent position in the government that would unite the country’s technology sector. It is still unknown whether Fedorov accepted the offer.
However, he congratulated Drapatyi, calling his appointment “a new hope in the struggle of free people for freedom and justice” and “a voice for change that could not go unheard”.
Syrskyi was publicly criticized by Fedorov before he was released. Fedororv accused the general of blocking his reform efforts and said it was crucial that Syrskyj be replaced to ensure Ukraine did not weaken in its resistance to Russian aggression. His criticism echoed complaints from soldiers and veterans alike about heavy losses in front-line attacks.
