Conflict & Security
Zelensky dismisses Ukraine army chief Syrsky and names Drapaty successor
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that he was dismissing Oleksandr Syrsky as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's army and appointing joint forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty to replace him.
Zelensky announced the decision in a post on Telegram. He said Drapaty would be the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and thanked Syrsky and Ukrainian soldiers for what he called Ukraine's strong front-line positions.
Syrsky, 60, had held the post since 2024. He was one of Kyiv's most experienced commanders and led the defence of Kyiv at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
The dismissal came during a political crisis after Zelensky removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had been in office for six months. Fedorov was popular and was known for efforts to modernise the army.
Fedorov accused Syrsky of blocking his ideas and pressuring Zelensky to remove him. Syrsky denied the accusation. Ukrainian media had long reported tensions between the two men.
Days of protests followed Fedorov's removal, with demonstrators supporting the ousted minister. Questions about Syrsky's future intensified during that period before Zelensky announced the change at the top of the army.
Update
Zelensky said in a Telegram post that Mykhailo Drapaty would be the new commander-in-chief.
The source says Syrsky's removal came amid a political crisis triggered by the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Fedorov accused Syrsky of forcing him out and blocking his reform efforts, and Syrsky denied the charge.
Ukrainian media had long reported tensions between Syrsky and Fedorov.
Syrsky, 60, had served as commander-in-chief since 2024 and led the defence of Kyiv at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Source note: AFP news report published on 21 July 2026 at 20:06:36 UTC.
Update
Zelensky said he was dismissing Oleksandr Syrsky as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's army.
Zelensky said joint forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty would become the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked Syrsky and Ukraine's warriors for what he called strong front-line positions.
Zelensky made the announcement in a Telegram post.
Source note: AFP news report published on 21 July 2026 at 19:48:39 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
Fedorov's accusation that Syrsky pushed for his removal is disputed, with the source saying Syrsky denied it.
Source
AFP news report published on .