Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces a major change in military leadership, dismissing General Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Multiple outlets report that Syrskyi is replaced by Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi, previously commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Command. The decision follows days of public unrest, including nationwide protests, and broader speculation about a shake-up of senior defence and military roles.
Several sources describe the move as Zelenskyy’s biggest military personnel change since 2024, with some framing it as part of a generational shift in Kyiv’s senior ranks. Alongside the appointment, one outlet reports Zelenskyy also offers a prominent position to former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was reportedly sacked last week—an action that some reporting links to the political crisis preceding the protest movement.
Across coverage, the central points are consistent: Syrskyi is removed, Drapatyi takes over as commander-in-chief, and the reshuffle is closely associated with public and political pressure.
