Former Lithuanian Army Chief Warns Ukraine Leadership Changes Risk Military Instability

Former Lithuanian army commander Lt. Gen. Vytautas Jonas Žukas has expressed concern over recent leadership changes in Ukraine, arguing that they may destabilize the country's military efforts during active hostilities.

Speaking on LRT TV's 'Topic of the Day' programme, Žukas said President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss army chief Oleksandr Syrsky after protests in Kyiv and other cities appeared risky, as new officials need time to understand battlefield conditions and implement plans. He stressed that simultaneous changes in government, ministers, and army commanders can disrupt ongoing programs.

Ukraine appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapaty, former commander of the Joint Forces, as the new army chief after Syrsky's dismissal. The change came amid broader political turmoil following Zelensky's removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that sparked public criticism. Analysts believe Fedorov, a popular reformer, was dismissed due to strained relations with Syrsky.

Protests in Kyiv and other cities led to Syrsky's dismissal. Žukas said he did not know the underlying political reasons but suggested Zelensky may have erred by allowing the dispute to escalate. “In wartime, especially during active fighting, you need to look for compromises,” he said.

The former commander noted that tensions partly stemmed from differences over Ukraine's military modernization. Fedorov had become popular for expanding drone production and strikes deep inside Russia. If the conflict between political and military leaders could not be resolved, Žukas argued, Zelensky should have replaced both officials rather than removing only the defence minister initially and later dismissing Syrsky under public pressure.

Žukas said this episode marked another instance of Zelensky responding to public pressure, referring to earlier protests over anti-corruption institution changes. “Now dismissing people again and starting everything from the beginning creates instability,” he said.