Ukraine's army chief expected to lose job after week of protests
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is widely expected to dismiss Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of protests in which thousands demanded his resignation outside the presidential office.
Ukraine's commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi is widely expected to lose his post, with signs that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has yielded to pressure from protesters and will reshuffle the army's top leadership. Over the past five days, thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the presidential office in Kyiv, chanting "Syrskyi out" and waving cheese graters—a pun on the commander's name, which sounds like the Ukrainian word for cheese.
The general staff denied media reports on Monday that Syrskyi was about to be sacked, stating that he and his deputy, Andriy Hnatov, continue to perform their duties. However, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, hinted that the government had heeded public sentiment, saying the situation was being resolved "professionally and constructively" and urging calm.
The protests began last Thursday after Zelenskyy dismissed the popular defence minister, Mykhailo Federov. Aged 35, Federov is credited with modernising the military and improving battlefield performance during his six months in office. Following his dismissal, Federov accused Syrskyi of blocking reforms with bureaucratic obstacles and favouring loyal brigades over data-driven decision-making.
A source in the armed forces confirmed Syrskyi's imminent departure, stating that the question now is who will replace him. Requirements include being well-known and popular but without open political ambitions, so as not to create a rival. On Monday, Zelenskyy met several potential replacements, including Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatiy, who gained fame in 2014 for driving a tank through a pro-Russian blockade in Mariupol.
The meetings included the newly appointed defence minister, Yevheniy Khmara. It remains unclear whether Federov will be reinstated as protesters demand. Organisers have set a Friday deadline for his return, threatening a nationwide indefinite protest otherwise.
Separately, Zelenskyy praised recent long-range Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets, including logistics facilities, an oil depot, and four cargo ships in the Black Sea, stating that the war must end by increasing pressure on Russia.
