Zelensky dismisses top army commander Syrskyi amid reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Tuesday evening via a social media video. The decision comes just days after the firing of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered street protests across the country. Initial rumours that the end of Fedorov's tenure was linked to a conflict with Syrskyi have been confirmed.

Fedorov, 35, was widely praised for energising the ministry, transforming the armed forces, and leading anti-corruption efforts. Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many Ukrainians as a Soviet-style commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army. He has been replaced by General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a battle-hardened and popular commander.

In his video message, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his military campaigns, including his role in successfully defending Kyiv during the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelensky also revealed that he met Fedorov earlier in the day and offered him a "worthy position in power," but did not say whether the offer had been accepted. Fedorov was replaced last week by Yevhenii Khmara, a former top official at Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). "All decisions will be formalised tomorrow," Zelensky added.