President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, appointing in his place the Commander of the Interbranch Forces, Mykhailo Drapati.
Sirsky’s ouster comes amid ongoing mass protests in Kiev and across Ukraine, in which protesters have called for the removal of Sirsky, who they blame for the ouster of Mykhailo Fedorov.
Zelensky thanked Sirsky for his services, extolling his role in some of Ukraine’s most significant military operations during the full-scale war. “Olexandr Shirsky ensured Ukraine’s results in the defense of Kiev, the counteroffensive in Kharkiv and the Kursk operation,” Zelensky said.
“It has come a long way. Ukraine’s defense continues and every warrior deserves decent treatment. I am grateful to Oleksandr Shirsky and each of our soldiers for Ukraine’s strong positions on the front lines,” he added.
Public anger against Sirsky erupted after Zelensky fired popular reformist Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov last week. Fedorov stated during a press conference the day after his removal that Shirsky had given Zelensky an ultimatum.
The protests continue for a sixth day
Ukrainians have held daily demonstrations since July 16 protesting the removal of Fedorov, one of the country’s youngest and most popular senior officials. as Kyiv Independent notes.
One of the organizers of the protests, veteran Dmytro Kozyatinsky, said on July 20 that the movement now has two clear demands: the reinstatement of Fedorov as defense minister and the removal of Sirsky from the post of commander-in-chief.
Tensions between the two were expected from Fedorov’s appointment and reflected different approaches to military leadership and organizational culture.
Sirsky has favored a highly centralized command structure based on Soviet military doctrine. He has been criticized by soldiers and analysts for micromanaging and promoting what critics describe as a Soviet-style management culture.
61% of Ukrainians see the ousted Fedorov positively
Zelensky’s recent decisions have drawn criticism from lawmakers, veterans and members of the public, many of whom argue Fedorov’s removal risks undermining defense ministry reforms while leaving concerns about military leadership.
Mykhailo Drapati, 44, has developed a reputation as one of Ukraine’s most respected senior commanders and was widely seen by protesters, soldiers and veterans as the leading candidate to replace Sirsky.
In contrast to Sirski’s centralized mode of command, Drapati has advocated greater initiative among subordinate commanders, faster decision-making, and greater accountability within the military.
He publicly supported Fedorov’s reform efforts after his removal, arguing that “the army needs change” and warning that “a commander has no right to remain silent in the face of problems” when lives are at stake.
During Russia’s full-scale invasion, Drapati helped organize the defense of the Kriviy Rih, was instrumental in the liberation of Kherson, and later led Ukraine’s response to Russia’s 2024 offensive in Kharkiv Oblast.
It should be noted that 61% of Ukrainians see Fedorov’s role in the reorganization of the Ukrainian army positively, while the protesters have given an ultimatum until July 24 for Fedorov to return to his position.
Source: In
