Zelenskyy fires Ukraine’s army chief and offers Fedorov ‘prominent position’
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed Oleksandr Syrskyi as Ukraine’s army chief following a period of nationwide protests. In his place, Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the armed forces. Drapatyi is a major general and previously served as the commander of the joint forces group. This change in leadership marks a shift in how the military command structure operates under current wartime conditions.
The president also announced that Mykhailo Fedorov will return to the government. Fedorov was removed from his post as defence minister last week, a decision that prompted significant public demonstrations across Kyiv and other cities. His return serves as a move to address the demands of protesters who insisted on his reinstatement.
While Syrskyi received public recognition for his role in the defense of Kyiv and the Kursk province operation, the administration is shifting focus toward internal reform. The new military leadership faces the task of updating the national defense strategy and addressing the challenges associated with mobilization as the conflict persists. These changes occur as the government attempts to stabilize domestic unrest while maintaining pressure on Russia through long-range drone strikes and continued military operations.
The specific role for Fedorov remains unconfirmed, though reports suggest discussions are underway regarding how he might manage technology and modernization initiatives for the state. Yevhen Khmara has taken over the position of defence minister. The government hopes this reshuffle will unify the national leadership and address the urgent needs of the military and the public alike.