KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces on Tuesday, following days of political protests that intensified pressure on the government during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Announcing the decision, Zelenskyy said Drapatyi would assume command of Ukraine's military, replacing Syrskyi, who had led the armed forces since 2024. The president said the military leadership required renewal as Ukraine continued to confront Russian forces and adapt its defense strategy.
The leadership change came after demonstrations in Kyiv and other cities demanding Syrskyi's removal. The protests followed the recent dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a reform-minded official whose departure triggered criticism from veterans, soldiers and civil society groups. Protesters argued that military reforms had stalled and called for changes in the armed forces' senior leadership.
Syrskyi, one of Ukraine's most experienced commanders, oversaw the defense of Kyiv during the early stages of Russia's 2022 invasion and later served as commander-in-chief after succeeding Valerii Zaluzhnyi. While praised for his battlefield experience, he had faced growing criticism from some military personnel and activists, who accused him of relying on outdated command practices and failing to advance reforms. Those criticisms have not been independently verified.
Drapatyi, 43, has built a reputation as a frontline commander and advocate of military modernization. He previously commanded Ukraine's land forces and later served as joint forces commander. In a public statement after his appointment, he pledged to serve with responsibility and continue adapting the military to meet wartime challenges.
The reshuffle also followed broader tensions within Ukraine's defense establishment after Fedorov publicly criticized Syrskyi's approach to military reform before leaving office. Zelenskyy has said he wants to improve defense management, procurement and battlefield effectiveness while maintaining unity as the war continues.
Ukraine remains engaged in heavy fighting along multiple sections of the front, while Russian missile and drone attacks continue across the country. Officials have not indicated any immediate changes to military operations resulting from the leadership transition. As of Tuesday, Drapatyi had formally assumed command of Ukraine's armed forces, and the government had not announced further personnel changes.
