Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi, the country’s Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and appointed 43-year-old Army General Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor. The decision comes only days after the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister.
The removal of the army chief comes amid widespread reactions and street protests in various parts of Ukraine following Zelenskyy’s earlier decision to dismiss the defence minister. These developments have drawn significant public and media attention to recent changes within the country’s military and security leadership structure.
Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, had attracted considerable attention and praise from many observers during his tenure for implementing reform programmes at the Defence Ministry, modernising the armed forces, and advancing anti-corruption initiatives.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Syrskyi was viewed by some analysts and military observers as a commander who adopted a more cautious approach toward implementing major structural changes within the armed forces.
Following the end of his tenure, Syrskyi defended his record in a message posted on Telegram, writing: “The army that two years ago was engaged in a difficult defensive war is now advancing and conducting offensive operations.”
Ukraine’s newly appointed army commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, also stated in a note published on Facebook: “With a strong sense of responsibility, full dedication, and respect for all those who are defending our country today, I will carry out my duties.”
In a video message on Tuesday, President Zelenskyy thanked Oleksandr Syrskyi for his service and praised his role in leading military operations, particularly the defence of Kyiv in 2022.
The Ukrainian president also said that he had met with Mykhailo Fedorov and offered him a “worthy position within the state leadership structure.” However, it remains unclear whether the former defence minister has accepted the proposal.
Mykhailo Fedorov, who was appointed defence minister in January last year, gained recognition for using data-driven approaches to improve the effectiveness of forces deployed on the front line, as well as for launching Ukraine’s “IT Army,” which has carried out cyber operations targeting Russia.
Fedorov’s dismissal was followed by six days of widespread protests across Ukraine. Oleksandr Syrskyi had himself been appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in early 2024, and has now been replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi following the president’s decision.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
