Zelenskyy replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s commander-in-chief

Zelenskyy replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo: Poinews.com – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a significant change to Ukraine's top military

Ukraine’s Military Leadership Undergoes Major Reshuffle

Poinews.com – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a significant change to Ukraine’s top military command, removing four-star General Oleksandr Syrskyi from his position as commander-in-chief. Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi has been selected to take over the role during the fifth year of Russia’s comprehensive military campaign against Ukraine.

The announcement followed several days of widespread demonstrations throughout the nation. These protests erupted after Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, citing growing tensions between the minister and General Syrskyi.

A Decision Made After Extensive Consultation

According to Zelenskyy, multiple discussions with military leadership over recent days led to a clear plan for restructuring the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“It is a fact that Oleksandr Syrskyi ensured Ukraine’s success in the defence of Kyiv, in the Kharkiv offensive and in the Kursk operation,” Zelenskyy stated, acknowledging Syrskyi’s contributions.

The president also emphasized that ongoing defence efforts require respect for all soldiers, addressing the widespread criticism directed at Syrskyi’s leadership approach and his perceived lack of backing within military circles.

“We all share the same desire, to defeat the enemy and to create conditions on the front line and exert sufficient pressure on Russia to force it to make peace,” he added.

Drapatyi’s Credentials and Vision

Mykhailo Drapatyi brings considerable experience to the commander-in-chief position. He has been commanding the Joint Forces, a recently established command structure responsible for operations in and around the northeastern Kharkiv region.

Since assuming leadership of this area in autumn of last year, Ukrainian formations including the Khartiia Brigade have reclaimed substantial territory surrounding Kupiansk, which faced threats from advancing Russian forces.

Previously, Drapatyi commanded the Dnipro operational-strategic group (OSUV), a broader eastern command that Syrskyi disbanded in October 2025.

His military career extends back to 2014, when he served as a major and battalion commander in the 72nd Mechanised Brigade during Russia’s initial invasion of eastern Ukraine. Drapatyi participated in the battle for Mariupol, which experienced brief occupation by Moscow’s forces. An armoured vehicle from his unit achieved recognition after breaking through a barricade established by Russian troops on one of Mariupol’s principal streets.

Drapatyi has publicly supported Fedorov’s reform efforts. He praised the minister’s six-month period at the defence ministry, noting a sincere commitment to modifying established military protocols and addressing systemic issues.

“The military needs change, but without justice, no change will make sense to the people who carry this war on their shoulders every day,” the general wrote in a Facebook post last Thursday, endorsing Fedorov following his removal.

“A commander has no right to remain silent about problems, especially when their cost is measured in lost opportunities, time and human lives,” Drapatyi continued. “Silence does not protect the army, it only allows mistakes to accumulate until they become much more difficult to correct.”

Political Fallout and Protest Demands

The dismissal of Defence Minister Fedorov transformed Zelenskyy’s military restructuring into a broader political challenge. The removal of the technology-oriented, reform-minded minister—who enjoyed considerable support from civil society and armed forces personnel—prompted immediate public outrage.

Critics accused the president of aligning with Syrskyi and established military hierarchies rather than supporting a leader associated with transparency, improved procurement processes, and better soldier welfare.

Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a military veteran and protest coordinator, presented a specific set of requirements to the president on Monday. His demands include the removal of Syrskyi as commander-in-chief and the restoration of Fedorov as defence minister.

“If by Friday, 24 July, Syrskyi is not dismissed and Fedorov’s candidacy for the position of minister of defence is not submitted, we will begin a general indefinite protest,” Koziatynskyi warned.

Zelenskyy provided no additional statements regarding Fedorov’s potential return to the defence ministry following his announcement about Syrskyi’s departure.

Drapatyi has cultivated a strong reputation among civil society activists and numerous military personnel. His appointment comes at a critical moment as Ukraine continues to face Russian military pressure while seeking to implement meaningful reforms within its armed forces structure.