Zelenskyy dismisses army chief and offers Fedorov prominent government role
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed General Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, appointing Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi in his place after nationwide protests exposed growing dissatisfaction with the country’s military leadership.
A major wartime reshuffle
The removal of Syrskyi represents Ukraine’s most significant military leadership change since he replaced General Valerii Zaluzhnyi in 2024. Zelenskyy praised Syrskyi’s contribution to the defence of Kyiv, the Kharkiv counteroffensive and operations in Russia’s Kursk region, but said Ukraine now required a renewed approach to the war.
Drapatyi, 43, is regarded as part of a younger generation of Ukrainian commanders shaped by the conflict with Russia since 2014. A former commander of Ukraine’s land forces, he has developed a reputation for battlefield experience, institutional reform and a willingness to challenge established military practices.
Zelenskyy said the new commander would be expected to modernise Ukraine’s defence strategy, improve procurement, strengthen air defence and accelerate the integration of technology across the armed forces.
Protests force political response
The reshuffle followed several days of demonstrations in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Protesters demanded Syrskyi’s departure and criticised Zelenskyy’s earlier decision to remove Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister after only six months in office.
Fedorov, previously Ukraine’s digital transformation minister, became popular among soldiers, younger Ukrainians and technology specialists for promoting drones, digital battlefield systems and more transparent defence procurement. His dismissal triggered accusations that the government was protecting traditional military structures at the expense of innovation.
Some veterans and serving military personnel joined the protests, adding pressure on Zelenskyy to respond. Critics of Syrskyi accused him of relying on rigid, Soviet-style command methods and blamed the military leadership for heavy Ukrainian casualties during costly operations, including the battle for Bakhmut.
Fedorov offered a return
Although Fedorov has not been restored as defence minister, Zelenskyy said he had offered him a “prominent position” within the government. The proposed role is expected to focus on technological development and the expansion of Ukraine’s defence innovation capabilities.
It remains unclear whether Fedorov has accepted the offer. His return would nevertheless be interpreted as an attempt by Zelenskyy to rebuild public confidence and reconcile competing factions within Ukraine’s political and military leadership.
Drapatyi is considered close to the reform agenda associated with Fedorov, increasing expectations that drone warfare, artificial intelligence, decentralised decision-making and domestic weapons production will receive greater priority.
Pressure from the battlefield
The leadership transition comes as Ukraine faces continuing Russian attacks, pressure along several sections of the front and difficulties recruiting and retaining troops. Kyiv must also maintain the confidence of international partners whose military and financial assistance remains essential.
Changing commanders during an active war carries operational risks, but the decision may provide Zelenskyy with an opportunity to demonstrate that public criticism can influence wartime governance.
Drapatyi has pledged to protect Ukrainian soldiers while maintaining pressure on Russia. His immediate challenge will be turning expectations of reform into measurable battlefield improvements without disrupting ongoing operations.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 22 July 2026
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