(FILES) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky (R) speak next to the first batch of Ukrainian made drone missiles "Peklo" (Hell) delivered to the Defence Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv on December 6, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 21, 2026 that he was dismissing Oleksandr Syrsky, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's army, and appointing joint forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty in his place. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed Army Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as his replacement after days of protests over changes in the country’s military leadership.
Syrsky, 60, had led Ukraine’s armed forces since 2024 and played a key role in defending Kyiv during Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The leadership change followed the dismissal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal sparked public demonstrations across Ukraine.
Fedorov accused Syrsky of blocking his military reform plans and influencing Zelensky to remove him, although Syrsky denied the allegations.
Announcing the appointment on Telegram, Zelensky said, “I have decided that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapaty.”
The Ukrainian president added, “I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrsky and to each of our warriors for Ukraine’s strong frontline positions.”
Drapaty, 43, is a decorated major general known for his service in the Donbas conflict and his leadership of Ukraine’s ground forces.
Reacting to his appointment, Drapaty said, “Serving Ukraine has always been an honour for me, and during the war for independence it means absolute responsibility,” before adding, “Glory to the nation. Death to the enemies.”
Fedorov welcomed the decision, describing it as “a breath of fresh air and a new hope in the struggle of free people for freedom and justice.”
Drapaty becomes Ukraine’s third commander-in-chief since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, as fighting and aerial attacks continue on both sides.
