Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Chief of the General Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi, appointing the widely respected Lieutenant General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the country’s armed forces.
Announcing the decision, Zelensky said:
“I have decided that Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I thank Oleksandr Syrskyi and all our soldiers for their steadfastness on the front line.”
The appointment marks a significant leadership change as Ukraine continues to face Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Syrskyi faced growing criticism
The 60-year-old Syrskyi had faced criticism from sections of the public, politicians and military personnel, who accused him of showing insufficient concern over battlefield casualties and adopting a Soviet-style command approach.
The Ukraine army chief had come under increasing pressure in recent months amid debate over the military’s leadership and strategy.
Calls for his removal
In recent days, thousands of demonstrators protesting against the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov also called for Syrskyi’s removal as the head of the Ukrainian army.
The latest reshuffle comes at a sensitive moment for Ukraine as the government seeks to maintain military effectiveness while responding to growing domestic pressure over defence leadership.
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