Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired the country's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and named General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces, in a reshuffle that follows nationwide protests.
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Key facts
- Zelenskyy fired commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- General Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new head of Ukraine's armed forces.
- Drapatyi will oversee a reorganisation of the army's command structure.
- A defence minister sacked last week was offered a 'prominent position'.
- The earlier sacking sparked nationwide protests.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the country’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and offered a “prominent position” to a defence minister he had sacked the previous week, according to the Guardian.
In a late-night television address, Zelenskyy announced that he was appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi, described as a popular and innovative general, as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
The president said Drapatyi would oversee a reorganisation of the army’s command structure as part of the broader reshuffle.
The Guardian reported that the earlier sacking of the defence minister sparked nationwide protests, and that the minister was now being brought back into government.
The move represents a significant shake-up at the top of Ukraine’s military and political leadership. The reporting did not specify further details about the timing of the changes or the reasons behind Syrskyi’s dismissal.
Why it matters
Changes at the top of Ukraine's military leadership carry major implications for the country's defence and its ongoing conflict. The reshuffle, following nationwide protests over an earlier sacking, signals internal pressure and shifting priorities within Ukraine's wartime government.
Frequently asked questions
Who is replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi as Ukraine's army chief?
According to the Guardian, Zelenskyy appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi, described as a popular and innovative general, as the new head of Ukraine's armed forces.
What will the new army chief do?
Zelenskyy said Drapatyi would oversee a reorganisation of the army's command structure.
Why were there protests?
The Guardian reported that nationwide protests were sparked by Zelenskyy's sacking of the defence minister the previous week; that minister has now been offered a 'prominent position'.
Timeline
- Zelenskyy fires Ukraine’s army chief and offers Fedorov ‘prominent position’
The Guardian World: After nationwide protests Oleksandr Syrskyi is to be replaced in reshuffle and popular defence minister returns to government Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and offered a “prominent position” to the defence minister he sacked last wee