Zelenskyy replaces Syrskyi with Drapatyi after protests shake Ukraine army

Kyiv,UPDATED: Jul 22, 2026 03:54 IST

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday removed Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces and named Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement, after days of protests in Kyiv and other cities calling for Syrskyi's removal. The move came amid growing public and military anger over the army chief's leadership style and his clash with former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

It was the second major decision Zelenskyy has reversed under street pressure. Last summer, protests had forced him to roll back a law that weakened Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs. Announcing Drapatyi's appointment on social media, Zelenskyy said, "Our shared wish is one - victory over the enemy and conditions at the front and in pressure on Russia that would force Russia toward peace."

Zelenskyy said he took the decision after a series of meetings with military commanders. The meetings began shortly after protests broke out demanding the reinstatement of Fedorov, who demonstrators saw as a driving force behind military modernisation, and the removal of Syrskyi, whom they accused of representing the army's old Soviet-style command culture.

The Ukrainian leader thanked Syrskyi for his role in Ukraine's war effort and praised him for the defence of Kyiv and for operations in Kharkiv and Kursk. "I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine's strong front-line positions," Zelenskyy said. "I am grateful to Mykhailo Drapatyi for holding that same view."

Drapatyi said in a Facebook post that serving Ukraine "has always been an honour for me, and during this war for independence, it means absolute responsibility". He thanked Syrskyi for his steady work in strengthening the military and added, "I grew up in it," referring to the army. "I will work responsibly, with focus and with respect for the people defending our state today." Zelenskyy said Drapatyi and other commanders must present an updated defence strategy, including continued reform of the corps system, faster weapons and drone deliveries, stronger air defence against Russian strikes and a clearer mobilisation plan.

Zelenskyy also met Fedorov separately on Tuesday and offered him what he described as a respected government position that would bring together the country's technology sector. It was not clear whether Fedorov had accepted the offer, or whether the latest moves would satisfy protesters and calm the streets. Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi, calling the appointment "new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice" and "a voice for change that could not go unheard".

Before Syrskyi's dismissal, Fedorov had publicly accused him of blocking military reforms and said he needed to be replaced if Ukraine was not to fail in its resistance against Russia. He said Ukrainians' high expectations must now be matched by a clear vision for ending the war, decisive action to preserve soldiers' lives, expansion of robotic warfare at the front, asymmetric strikes and efforts to exhaust Russia's economy. At the same time, Fedorov said he had called Syrskyi to thank him for defending the Kyiv region, the Kharkiv operation and other battles, describing that record as "already an important part of Ukraine's history", while adding that the country must "move even faster and write new chapters, correcting all previous mistakes".

The crisis began last Thursday when Zelenskyy reshaped his wartime government, replacing his prime minister and removing Fedorov as defence minister after just six months in the job. Zelenskyy said there was an unworkable rift between Fedorov and Syrskyi and told reporters that since they could not resolve their dispute, he would "have to resolve it".

After his dismissal, Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking reforms and fostering a top-down command culture, echoing complaints from soldiers and veterans about heavy casualties in costly front-line assaults. The reshuffle quickly sent thousands of protesters onto the streets of Kyiv and other cities, with many portraying Fedorov's removal as Zelenskyy backing an entrenched military old guard over a reformer. The backlash spread into the armed forces as well: the Air Force's deputy commander resigned in protest, warning that the move would weaken Ukraine's air defences, while veterans, soldiers on leave and other public figures in uniform criticised Syrskyi on social media.

Criticism of Syrskyi had been building for some time. He has long been linked to a Soviet-style, top-down command culture, and many protesters said they wanted a new generation of generals who would place greater emphasis on preserving soldiers' lives. Within the military, he has carried the grim nickname of "Butcher", especially since the defence of Bakhmut, one of the war's longest and costliest battles. His standing was damaged further in June after Ukrainian outlet Babel published an investigation into alleged abuse in the Skelia assault regiment, a unit closely associated with Syrskyi that reportedly suffered higher-than-average battlefield losses. The report documented dozens of deaths among recruits.

Zelenskyy's decision to replace Syrskyi with Drapatyi followed days of mounting protests, public criticism and unrest within the military, while the future role of Fedorov in the government remained uncertain.

With PTI Inputs

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