Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to dismiss the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing an informed source. An official statement from the head of state is expected in the near future.
Background of personnel changes
Rumors about Syrsky's possible resignation began circulating immediately after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Personnel changes in the defense ministry sparked a wave of protests in various cities across Ukraine. Zelensky explained Fedorov's departure by citing insufficiently effective interaction between the Ministry of Defense and the army leadership.
Syrsky himself previously denied any conflict with Fedorov, asserting that disagreements between the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense were purely of a working nature and were resolved within standard procedures. However, the former Defense Minister later stated that he had proposed to the President to update the military leadership but was refused. According to Fedorov, following this, the General Staff began blocking the reforms he proposed.
Who might replace Syrsky
According to RBC-Ukraine, the main candidate for the post of Commander-in-Chief is named as the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapaty. This issue remains open until Zelensky's official announcement.
Public reaction and political context
Personnel changes in Ukraine's military sector are causing widespread public resonance. Protests that began after Fedorov's dismissal indicate the population's high sensitivity to issues regarding the management of the army and the country's defense.
