Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced Ukraine's commander in chief with General Mykhailo Drapati and offered a prominent government position to Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister whose sacking sparked mass protests.
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Key facts
- Zelenskyy fired commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- General Mykhailo Drapati was appointed as new head of Ukraine's armed forces.
- Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked as defence minister last week, has been offered a prominent position.
- Fedorov's dismissal had sparked nationwide protests.
- Drapati is to oversee a reorganisation of the army's command structure.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Ukraine’s commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and offered a “prominent position” to the defence minister he had sacked the previous week, according to the Guardian. The moves follow nationwide protests triggered by the earlier dismissal.
In a late-night television address, Zelenskyy said he was appointing Mykhailo Drapati, described by the outlet as a popular and innovative general, as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Zelenskyy said Drapati would oversee a reorganisation of the army’s command structure, signalling a broader shake-up of Ukraine’s military leadership.
The reshuffle also brings back Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister whose sacking the week before had prompted mass demonstrations across the country. Fedorov has been offered a prominent role in government, according to the Guardian.
The decisions mark a significant change at the top of Ukraine’s defence apparatus, reversing part of the earlier move that had drawn public anger.
Why it matters
Changes at the top of Ukraine's military leadership carry weight for the country's defence and its wartime governance. The reinstatement of a recently sacked minister after public protests also underscores the political pressure Zelenskyy faces at home.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new head of Ukraine's armed forces?
Zelenskyy appointed General Mykhailo Drapati, described by the Guardian as a popular and innovative general, to replace commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Why is Mykhailo Fedorov returning to government?
Fedorov, the defence minister sacked the previous week, was offered a prominent position after his dismissal sparked nationwide protests, according to the Guardian.
What will Drapati oversee?
Zelenskyy said Drapati would oversee a reorganisation of the army's command structure.
Timeline
- Zelenskyy under growing pressure to reinstate sacked defence minister
The Guardian World: Campaigners in Ukraine pledge to continue nationwide protests until Mykhailo Fedorov gets his job back Volodymyr Zelenskyy was under growing pressure to reinstate his sacked defence minister on Wednesday, after campaigners said they would continue indefinite nationwide protests u
- Zelenskyy replaces military leader and brings back defence minister he sacked
The Guardian World: Mykhailo Drapati new head of the armed forces as Mykhailo Fedorov returns to government after mass protests Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Ukraine’s commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and offered a “prominent position” to the defence minister he sacked last week in a move that s