Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Oleksandr Syrsky has responded to criticism from outgoing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, calling for unity and a focus on winning the war.In a post on Telegram, Syrsky said he was proud that Ukraine had successfully defended Kyiv during Russia’s 2022 invasion, making it possible for officials to hold public briefings and debates in the capital today.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“I am proud that thanks to the defense of Kyiv in 2022, we managed to protect our capital. Today, briefings can be held in this city, visions can be formed, and decisions can be made,” Syrsky wrote.He added that he would continue doing everything possible to ensure such events could take place in a free and independent Ukraine.“To achieve this, we must remain focused on the war and on an effective strategy that is already delivering concrete results.”Syrsky also thanked Fedorov for his work as defense minister and wished him success.“I thank Mykhailo Fedorov for his work as Ukraine’s defense minister. I wish him to remain part of the Ukrainian team.”Under Ukraine’s Constitution, the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko automatically triggered the resignation of the entire Cabinet of Ministers. However, the outgoing government continues to perform its duties until a new cabinet is formally appointed.Although speculation about Fedorov’s future had circulated for days, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday that Fedorov would not remain defense minister in the new government.