---
title: "Power shift in the command: Zelensky prepares Syrsky's dismissal and appoints Drapaty"
description: "A major reshuffle is brewing in the Ukrainian military: Zelensky is considering Syrsky's dismissal and replacing him with Drapaty. The decision is being made against the backdrop of protests and disagreements with former Defense Minister Fedorov. Officially, the position has not yet changed, but the intrigue is growing. 🇺🇦⚔️"
date: 2026-07-20T21:10:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/power-shift-in-the-command-zelensky-prepares-syrskys-dismissal-and-appoints-drapaty
tags: [zelensky, syrsky, drapaty, fedorov, ukraine]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Power shift in the command: Zelensky prepares Syrsky's dismissal and appoints Drapaty

![General Syrsky in military uniform at the headquarters, preparing for resignation](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/20/zeleny-gotovit-otstavku-syrskogo-i-naznachaet-drapatogo/zeleny-gotovit-otstavku-syrskogo-i-naznachaet-drapatogo-1.webp)

A major personnel reshuffle is brewing within the Ukrainian military department. According to Bloomberg sources, President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering the dismissal of the current Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky. He is most likely to be replaced by Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, who currently heads the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

### Pressure of protests and personnel decisions

The decision to change the command has been made against the backdrop of growing pressure from large-scale protests, whose participants are demanding the resignation of the military leader. One of the agency's sources reported that the Ukrainian leader will likely choose Drapaty as Syrsky's successor, who could be fired within a few days.

However, the situation remains uncertain. Another source of the publication clarified that the final decision on replacing the Commander-in-Chief has not yet been made. According to available data, there are 11 candidates on the list for this position.

### Official position and comments

President's aide Dmytro Lytvyn declined to comment in detail, but told journalists that Syrsky's resignation is unlikely to happen on Monday. The General Staff of Ukraine also published a statement on Facebook, confirming that the current Commander-in-Chief has not yet been dismissed and continues to perform his duties.

Zelensky himself stated that he met with Drapaty on Monday, but did not mention any plans to replace Syrsky, leaving the intrigue unresolved.

### Preconditions for the conflict: Fedorov's resignation

Rumors about the resignation of Oleksandr Syrsky began to circulate shortly after the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered a series of protests across the country. One of the reasons for Fedorov's resignation, the president cited, was disagreements over the conduct of the war between him and Syrsky.

According to Zelensky, the former Defense Minister allegedly did not listen to the military command, in particular, when carrying out defense orders. Although both Syrsky and Fedorov officially denied the existence of a mutual conflict, it is known that there were disagreements in their views on work between them. Moreover, the former Defense Minister previously openly called on Zelensky to fire Syrsky.