Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country’s military commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. In this article, we look at why Zelensky sacks Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of protests over a controversial shake-up of the nation’s defence leadership.
According to BBC, Zelensky replaced the 60-year-old general with Mykhailo Drapatyi, a 43-year-old battle-tested commander. Drapatyi is widely regarded as part of a younger and more innovative generation of Ukrainian military leaders. In such a change, when Zelensky sacks Oleksandr Syrskyi, it signals a shift towards modernisation.
The decision came days after the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. His dismissal triggered demonstrations in several Ukrainian cities, further increasing speculation as to why Zelensky sacks Oleksandr Syrskyi at this crucial time.
Rumours initially suggested that Fedorov’s removal followed a dispute with Syrskyi. Reports later confirmed that tensions existed between both officials over the direction and modernisation of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Fedorov, 35, had earned widespread praise for energising the defence ministry, introducing technology-driven reforms and leading efforts to tackle corruption.
Syrskyi, however, faced criticism from some Ukrainians. They viewed him as a Soviet-style commander reluctant to embrace radical changes in the military.
Drapatyi pledges responsible leadership
Reacting to his appointment, Drapatyi promised to carry out his responsibilities with full commitment. He also promised respect for Ukrainian troops defending the country.
“I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” Drapatyi said in a Facebook post.
He also thanked his predecessor for his contributions to strengthening the Ukrainian military.
“I thank Oleksandr Syrskyi for his consistent work to strengthen the Ukrainian army. I grew up in it,” he added.
In a video posted on social media late Tuesday, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his military service and leadership. He recognised Syrskyi’s role during major campaigns, a factor in why Zelensky sacks Oleksandr Syrskyi now as part of a broader change.
The Ukrainian president particularly acknowledged Syrskyi’s role in successfully defending Kyiv. This occurred during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelensky also disclosed that he met Fedorov earlier in the day. He offered him what he described as a “worthy position in power”.
He did not reveal details of the proposed role or confirm whether Fedorov had accepted the offer.
Fedorov endorses new army chief
Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on his appointment and described the development as a fresh opportunity for change within Ukraine’s military leadership.
He called Drapatyi’s appointment a “new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice”.
Fedorov added that it represented “the voice of change that could not be ignored”.
The former defence minister also disclosed that he called Syrskyi to thank him for his role in defending the Kyiv region. Additionally, he thanked him for leading other important military operations.
“But we need to move even faster and write new chapters, correcting all previous mistakes,” Fedorov said.
Fedorov was appointed defence minister in January. He quickly gained recognition for using data and technology to assess and improve Ukraine’s battlefield performance.
Before heading the defence ministry, he served as minister of digital transformation.
During the early stages of Russia’s invasion, Fedorov established a volunteer IT Army of Ukraine. This unit carried out cyber operations against Russian targets.
He later led the Army of Drones fundraising campaign. Furthermore, he introduced a reward system that gave Ukrainian military units credits for successfully striking Russian assets.
Protests mount pressure on Zelensky
Fedorov’s removal led to six days of demonstrations, with protesters demanding his return and calling on Zelensky to dismiss Syrskyi. Notably, the phrase “Zelensky sacks Oleksandr Syrskyi” has dominated headlines in recent days.
Zelensky appeared to respond to the growing pressure by appointing Drapatyi. Drapatyi reportedly shares Fedorov’s vision of a modern and technology-driven military.
Fedorov’s public support for Drapatyi may help ease the political crisis caused by his removal.
Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official of Ukraine’s Security Service, remains acting defence minister.
Zelensky has directed Khmara and Drapatyi to develop a new defence strategy addressing military restructuring. Additionally, they must address weapons supplies, drones and reforms to Ukraine’s corps system.
Syrskyi defends leadership record
Syrskyi has not publicly responded to his dismissal.
However, in an opinion article published on Monday, he described his relationship with Fedorov as professional. He denied suggestions of a personal dispute.
“I perceived our relationship as a working one,” Syrskyi wrote.
“If I offended anyone, Mykhailo Albertovych, I’m sorry.”
The former army chief also addressed the protests and criticism surrounding military recruitment, contracts and procurement.
He argued that the issues facing Ukraine’s military were more complicated than the slogans used by demonstrators and commentators.
“Decisions on which people’s lives depend are not made with slogans,” Syrskyi said.
“Real work, not the public drama surrounding it, wins the war.”
Although Syrskyi’s removal may calm some protesters, many are expected to continue demanding that Fedorov return. They want him to have a position with enough authority to drive military innovation.
Zelensky’s offer of another government position could help repair the immediate political damage. However, some protesters may continue criticising his initial decision to remove the former defence minister.
