Zelenskyy Fires Army Chief Syrskyi, Names Drapatyi as Replacement; New Commander Known as Critic of Military's 'Soviet Culture'

Facing nationwide protests, Zelenskyy dismissed army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine's new top commander.

Thousands of Ukrainians gathered outside the presidential office in Kyiv for at least two consecutive days to demand the removal of army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi — and Zelenskyy ultimately complied, dismissing him and naming Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement. Drapatyi has long been a critic of what observers describe as the Ukrainian military's entrenched 'Soviet culture,' and his appointment has generated public hope that he will modernize command structures. However, military experts caution that institutional cultural change could take considerable time to materialise. The protests erupted in the wake of a broader government reshuffle that had already inflamed public opinion. Zelenskyy had dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a figure widely credited with modernising Ukraine's military technology posture, just six months into his tenure — a move that drew anger in both Kyiv and Lviv. Zelenskyy subsequently attempted to defuse the Fedorov controversy by offering him a 'prominent position' back in government, signalling that the president was navigating significant political pressure from multiple directions simultaneously. Drapatyi, installed during what officials described as a wider wartime military reshuffle, quickly vowed to intensify counteroffensive operations. The change comes on roughly day 1,610 of Russia's full-scale invasion, with Russian attacks continuing and battlefield conditions remaining under intense strain. This is the second time Zelenskyy has reversed or substantially modified a decision after public demonstrations. Last summer, street pressure led him to walk back a law that had weakened Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs, establishing a pattern where visible civic pressure can shift presidential decisions even in wartime. Separately, EU diplomats were meeting in Brussels to finalise a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, following previous failed attempts to reach agreement among member states.

Why it matters

The reshuffle represents a significant test of wartime civil-military governance in Ukraine, demonstrating that public protests retain leverage over leadership decisions even three years into a full-scale war. The appointment of a new top commander mid-conflict carries direct implications for battlefield strategy and alliance confidence at a critical moment.

What's next

Newly appointed commander Drapatyi has pledged to step up counteroffensive operations, and EU diplomats are working to finalise a 21st sanctions package against Russia after previous rounds of talks failed.

Key facts

• Oleksandr Syrskyi was fired as Ukraine's commander-in-chief following at least two days of nationwide protests
• Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi was named as Syrskyi's replacement during a broader military reshuffle
• Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had been dismissed just six months into his tenure, triggering the initial wave of protests
• Protests drew thousands of demonstrators outside Kyiv's presidential office on consecutive days, with parallel demonstrations in Lviv
• This is the second time Zelenskyy has reversed or modified a decision following public pressure, after a similar episode over anti-corruption legislation last summer
• The leadership change comes approximately on day 1,610 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Bias & framing notes

The Guardian's multiple dispatches provided the most granular timeline, including early signals from Zelenskyy's chief of staff before the firing was confirmed, giving their coverage a slightly anticipatory framing. NBC News emphasised the 'major rift' angle and personal political crisis for Zelenskyy. India Today framed the reshuffle more managerially, stressing reform goals and strategic steadiness. No sources materially conflicted on core facts; differences were largely in emphasis and political framing.

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