Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed armed forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, responding to six days of protests over a defence leadership dispute that exposed public anger about military reform during the war with Russia. Zelenskyy also offered former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov a senior government post focused on defence technology, days after his removal triggered demonstrations in Kyiv and other cities.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces following days of protests demanding his removal. Zelenskyy appointed…

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, following days of mass protests in Kyiv and other cities nationwide…

Oleksandr Syrsky had led Ukraine’s armed forces since 2024 and played a key role in the defence against Russia’s invasion.

Zelensky sacks army chief Syrsky after days of protests

File Photo: Mykhailo Drapaty. [Photo/Agencies]