--- title: "\"Chaos works for the enemy\": Naval and Air Assault commanders defend Syrskyi amid protests" description: "The commanders of the Ukrainian Navy and Air Assault Forces, Alexei Neizhpapa and Oleg Apostol, spoke out in support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Amidst protests and the dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov, the generals urged against politicizing the army, stating that chaos in management works for the enemy. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ›‘οΈ" date: 2026-07-19T10:02:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/chaos-works-for-the-enemy-naval-and-air-assault-commanders-defend-syrskyi-amid-protests tags: [ukraine, alexander-syrsky, mikhail-fedorov, vms-ukraine, dshv-ukraine] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # "Chaos works for the enemy": Naval and Air Assault commanders defend Syrskyi amid protests ![Ukrainian Navy Commander Oleksiy Syrsykyi in military uniform in front of armored vehicles, speaking out against protests](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/19/komanduyushchie-vmc-i-dshv-vystupili-v-zashchitu-syrskogo-na-fone-protestov/komanduyushchie-vmc-i-dshv-vystupili-v-zashchitu-syrskogo-na-fone-protestov-1.webp) Against the backdrop of a growing wave of protests in Ukraine triggered by personnel changes within the defense ministry, commanders of key military branches have issued a sharp statement. The Commander of the Naval Forces (Navy), Alexei Neizhpapa, and the Commander of the Air Assault Forces (Air Assault), Oleg Apostol, published appeals supporting the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and called for the preservation of army unity. ### "Only the President has the right to evaluate Syrskyi's work" Alexei Neizhpapa, who has dedicated 34 years to serving the Ukrainian people, emphasized the importance of reforming the armed forces and implementing modern technologies in his message. He recalled that under his leadership, the Navy developed the use of unmanned systems, including "Bayraktars," "Neptune" complexes, and sea drones. The Navy Commander stated that in the conditions of a full-scale war, any doubts about the army's actions are unacceptable. According to him, the authority to evaluate the work of the Commander-in-Chief as the head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine belongs exclusively to the President, who is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. "Attempts to incite people during a war only divide society and play into Russia's hands," Neizhpapa emphasized, urging citizens to refrain from politicizing military issues. ### Discipline against chaos Oleg Apostol, the Commander of the Air Assault Forces, who has combat experience since 2014, addressed the issue of discipline and unity of command in his appeal. He noted that the military management system is built on a clear hierarchy and the personal responsibility of commanders for the lives of their subordinates. "Where discipline ends, chaos begins. And chaos always works for the enemy," Apostol stated. He harshly criticized categorical assessments of the military leadership by civilians lacking combat experience. In the general's opinion, substantive criticism is permissible, but baseless accusations and public insults only undermine trust in the army. Apostol also urged military personnel not to get involved in political disputes, emphasizing that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been and remain above politics. ### Context: Fedorov's resignation and personnel search The commanders' statements were a reaction to recent events when protests demanding a change in military leadership began in the country. The trigger for the unrest was President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov from the position of Minister of Defense. It is reported that one of the reasons for the dismissal was disagreements between the Ministry of Defense leadership and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Specifically, the issue concerned questions of interaction and communication. It became known that Fedorov had proposed to Zelenskyy to replace Syrskyi, but the President refused this idea. Zelenskyy himself stated that the former minister would remain "close by," but did not specify the details of the new role. Fedorov, in turn, reported that he received an offer to become an advisor to the President but declined it. In an attempt to find a replacement for Fedorov, Zelenskyy initially considered the candidacy of the former head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko. However, this candidacy did not find sufficient support either among deputies or in society. Ultimately, Major General Yevhen Khmar, who previously held the position of Acting Head of the SBU, was appointed Acting Minister of Defense.