Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Dismisses Military Chief Alongside Defense Minister
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the nation’s Chief of Staff, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
This follows the recent removal of the popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which sparked nationwide protests. The dismissal of the Chief of Staff comes amid reports of disputes between Syrskyi and Fedorov.
Fedorov was removed amid alleged conflicts with Syrskyi, who was seen as a Soviet-style military commander reluctant to pursue major reforms in Ukraine’s armed forces.
The 35-year-old Fedorov had been popular for energizing the ministry, driving armed forces’ transformation, and launching a strict anti-corruption campaign. In contrast, 60-year-old Syrskyi was perceived as resistant to change.
Syrskyi has been replaced by the 43-year-old Mykhailo Drapaty, a widely respected and battle-hardened general.
“I will take full responsibility and work with dedication and respect that reflects the commitment of those defending our country,” Drapaty wrote on Facebook.
He expressed gratitude to Syrskyi for his continuous efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian military.
Proposal to Assign Responsibilities in Government
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In a video message posted on social media Tuesday night, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi and praised his role in defending Kyiv during the early days of the Russian invasion.
Zelensky revealed he also met with Fedorov and offered him another suitable role within the government, though Fedorov has not yet responded publicly.
Last week, Yevhen Khmara, former head of Ukraine’s Security Service, was appointed defense minister, replacing Fedorov.
Outgoing Defense Minister Fedorov congratulated the new Chief of Staff, Drapaty.
Fedorov also called dismissed Chief of Staff Syrskyi to thank him for his contributions to defending the Kyiv region and other pivotal battles.
Fedorov, who became defense minister in January, was known for his analytical use of frontline troop data to drive improvements and for employing technology extensively.
As the former Digital Transformation Minister, he founded the volunteer ‘IT Army of Ukraine’ cyber unit after the Russian invasion began, leading cyber defense efforts against Russian attacks.
Later, he led the ‘Army of Drones’ fundraising initiative and developed a system to track Ukrainian units’ strikes on Russian targets via a gaming-style scoring method.
Mounting Pressure on Zelensky
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Following Fedorov’s dismissal, nationwide protests persisted for six consecutive days, increasing pressure on Zelensky, who also faced demands to remove the embattled Chief of Staff Syrskyi.
By appointing Drapaty as Chief of Staff, Zelensky is seen as responding to protesters’ demands. Drapaty maintains close ties with former Defense Minister Fedorov.
With Fedorov’s endorsement of Drapaty, political tensions are expected to ease.
Zelensky has instructed Defense Minister Khmara and Chief of Staff Drapaty to prepare a new defense strategy addressing military structural reforms, weapons procurement, and drone integration.
Syrskyi has not yet publicly commented on his dismissal. In an article published Monday, he indicated having cooperative relations with the defense minister.
Regarding the protests, he stated that issues related to military contracts, procurement processes, and troop deployment are more complex than portrayed by demonstrators.
Protesters continue to demand that Fedorov be reinstated to a critical government role.