'People Have Been Heard': Zelenskyy Sacks Ukraine Army Chief After Massive Protests
'People Have Been Heard': Zelenskyy Sacks Ukraine Army Chief After Massive Protests Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 08:03 IST The decision follows growing
'People Have Been Heard': Zelenskyy Sacks Ukraine Army Chief After Massive Protests Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 08:03 IST The decision follows growing criticism of the government's move to remove Mykhailo Fedorov, whose si month tenure as defence minister coincided with several battlefield successes. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (IMAGE: AFP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, days after widespread protests erupted over the removal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The decision follows growing criticism of the government’s move to remove Mykhailo Fedorov, whose si month tenure as defence minister coincided with several battlefield successes and a major push to expand Ukraine’s use of military technology, particularly drones. Announcing a broader shake-up, Zelenskyy said he had offered Mykhailo Fedorov a “prominent position in government that would allow him to unify the technical component of our state and ensure its development." Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, earned recognition for championing technological innovation and modernising recruitment efforts within Ukraine’s armed forces.
However, he reportedly clashed with elements of the country’s defence establishment, including Syrskyi, over military strategy and the pace of technological transformation. His removal last week triggered days of street protests and sparked debate within military circles, with many arguing that his emphasis on drones and advanced military technology had played a crucial role in slowing Russian advances and striking targets deep inside Russia. As public pressure mounted, speculation grew over Oleksandr Syrskyi’s future. On Monday, Zelenskyy met senior military officials, while his chief of staff suggested that “the position of society has been heard". In a rare public intervention before his dismissal, Oleksandr Syrskyi published an opinion piece defending his record and addressing criticism over Ukraine’s drone strategy. “I can’t switch a million-people army to drones in two months and say, ‘Now this is how we’re going to fight,'" Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote, arguing that large-scale military reforms required careful implementation and could not be rushed during wartime.
He also apologised if he had offended Fedorov and rejected claims that he opposed the broader adoption of drones, noting that he had supported the creation of a separate drone branch within the military. Zelenskyy has appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi, the current commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces, as the new commander-in-chief. The leadership change comes at a critical moment in the war with Russia, as Kyiv continues to rely heavily on technological innovation and drone warfare to counter Moscow’s larger military resources. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What changes will Mykhailo Drapatyi bring to Ukraine's military? General Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's armed forces. His appointment follows the dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Could this leadership change impact the war with Russia? The leadership change, including the dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief and the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi, comes at a critical moment in the war with Russia.
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