President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new commander-in-chief. This leadership change follows public protests triggered by Zelensky's earlier decision to fire Defence Minister Fedorov. Protesters demanded Syrsky’s removal, and Drapaty, who was favored by the former minister, has now taken over the role. The change reflects ongoing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the war against Russian forces.
Syrsky, trained during the Soviet era, faced criticism for his wartime strategies, while Drapaty is recognized as a reform-minded officer. The new appointment is expected to signal a shift in military strategy amid continuing conflict. The protests underscored widespread frustration with military leadership and the overall management of the defense effort, highlighting the political and military tensions within Ukraine’s leadership during this challenging period.