Zelenskyy replaces Ukraine military chief after protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the armed forces Tuesday, yielding to days of public pressure after protesters across the country demanded Syrskyi’s removal and the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Zelenskyy named Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi, who currently commands the Joint Forces in Kharkiv Oblast, as the new army chief. The move followed a series of meetings with senior military commanders that began after protests erupted in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

“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 in a statement on social media.

The shakeup came less than a week after Zelenskyy removed Fedorov from his post as defense minister, citing an irresolvable feud between Fedorov and Syrskyi. Fedorov, a 35-year-old former tech entrepreneur, had become especially popular among younger Ukrainians who viewed him as a force behind technological reforms and anti-corruption efforts in the military.

“I wanted unity very much. The sides did not achieve it. And that isn’t just their problem, but mine as well. I do not absolve myself of responsibility,” Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv last week. “And in such a situation, the way out is either one side or the other, because without me they don’t sit down together.”

Instead of settling the dispute, Fedorov’s dismissal triggered widespread pushback. Protesters carried signs calling for Fedorov to be reinstated and Syrskyi dismissed. Demonstrators described Fedorov as a driver of military modernization and Syrskyi as a symbol of what they called an older, Soviet-style command culture.

The backlash extended beyond street protests. CBS News reported that United24, a pro-government Ukrainian media organization, paused publication to take part in the demonstrations. Some senior defense officials, including the deputy commander of the Air Force, resigned. A Ukrainian member of parliament from Zelenskyy’s own party told CBS News, “100% we will not accept” Fedorov’s replacement.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the unrest last Thursday and signaled that the personnel decisions were still under review.

“I understand, I listen, and I even respond. I mean, I respond to some things where I wouldn’t want to go into too much detail,” he said at a press conference. “But again, this is a question I am still considering.”

On Tuesday, Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his role in Ukraine’s war against Russia, including the defense of Kyiv and 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,” he said. “I am grateful to Mykhailo Drapatyi for holding that same view.”

Drapatyi is seen as more reform-minded and close to Fedorov than other contenders, according to CBS News. Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that “a dignified attitude to each soldier is necessary” as Ukraine’s defense continues.

Zelenskyy also met separately Tuesday with Fedorov and offered him what he described as a respected government position that would unify Ukraine’s technology sector, NPR reported, citing The Associated Press. It was not immediately clear whether Fedorov accepted the offer or whether the leadership changes would end the protests.