Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, replacing him with Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty after a political dispute involving the removal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Zelensky announced the appointment of Drapaty on Tuesday, thanking Syrsky for his service and praising the efforts of Ukrainian troops in defending the country.
Syrsky, 60, had served as Ukraine’s top military commander since 2024 and played a key role in the successful defence of Kyiv during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
His dismissal follows growing tensions after Fedorov, a 35-year-old former defence minister known for pushing military reforms and technological modernization, was removed from office just six months after his appointment.
Fedorov alleged that Syrsky opposed his reform agenda and influenced Zelensky’s decision to remove him, accusations that Syrsky rejected.
The disagreement exposed uncommon divisions within Ukraine’s military and political leadership, despite recent gains on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have slowed Russian advances in recent months while carrying out long-range strikes targeting Russian oil facilities that Kyiv says support the war effort.
Drapaty, 43, is a decorated major general with extensive combat experience, having previously commanded Ukraine’s ground forces and fought against Russian-backed separatists during the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
He is widely recognized for his role in a 2014 operation in Mariupol, where footage appeared to show him driving an armoured vehicle through a separatist checkpoint.
Following his appointment, Drapaty pledged to serve Ukraine with full commitment, describing the role as a great responsibility during the country’s fight for independence.
Fedorov welcomed the leadership change, saying it brings renewed optimism to Ukraine’s military campaign and represents a fresh opportunity for reform.
The removal of Fedorov last week sparked protests across Ukraine, with demonstrators demanding greater military reforms and calling for Syrsky’s replacement.
Political observers noted that Syrsky had faced criticism over the handling of troop losses and delays in reforms related to military procurement, equipment, and mobilization.
Drapaty becomes Ukraine’s third commander-in-chief since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, both sides continue to intensify aerial attacks, with the United Nations reporting an increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine in recent months.
