- Zelenskyy fired Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief and offered Mykhailo Fedorov a 'prominent position' after sacking him as defence minister.
- Fedorov's dismissal sparked protests, and Zelenskyy hoped the reshuffle would assuage protesters who demanded Syrskyi’s removal and set a Friday deadline for Fedorov’s reinstatement.
- Mykhailo Drapatyi, a popular and innovative general, was appointed as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces in a late-night TV address.
- Zelenskyy credited Syrskyi with leading the defence of Kyiv and launching the counter-invasion of Russia’s Kursk province in summer 2024.
- Drapatyi is a major general, commander of Ukraine’s joint forces group, fighting Russia since 2014 in Donbas.
- Zelenskyy and Drapatyi agreed to continue long-range drone attacks on Russian targets like oil refineries, with 'absolute precision'.
- Zelenskyy expressed a shared wish for victory and conditions to force Russia toward peace.
- Fedorov welcomed Drapatyi’s appointment, saying it brings fresh air and new hope and that high expectations must be met with decisive actions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made significant changes to the military leadership, firing army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor.1267
Zelenskyy praised Syrskyi for his role in defending Kyiv and leading counter-offensives against Russia.89
“We have come a long way. The defence of Ukraine continues,” Zelenskyy stated, expressing gratitude to all soldiers.
Fedorov, who was dismissed last week, has been offered a prominent government position to unify the technological sector.
Zelenskyy met with Fedorov, stating, “I offered Mykhailo a prominent position within the government that would enable him to unify the technological sector of our state and ensure its development.”
The reshuffle comes amid protests demanding Syrskyi's removal, with demonstrators threatening indefinite protests if Fedorov was not reinstated.
“This brings a breath of fresh air and new hope to the struggle of free people for freedom and justice,” Fedorov remarked on Drapatyi’s appointment.1415
Drapatyi, a major general, has been fighting Russia since 2014 and is viewed as an ally of Fedorov.10
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's long-range drone attacks on Russian targets would continue, stating, “Our programme of precision strikes will be implemented with absolute precision.”1112
The president's aim is to strengthen military leadership and respond to public demands for change amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Fedorov's dismissal sparked protests in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators demanding Syrskyi's removal and setting a Friday deadline for Fedorov's reinstatement. Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a popular and innovative commander who has fought Russia since 2014, as the new head of Ukraine's armed forces.”
The Guardian
