Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering the dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrsky, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, following four days of public demonstrations in Kyiv and rising discontent among military personnel.
The protests erupted after the departure of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, highlighting deep strategic rifts within the defense leadership as the nation faces a critical stage in the conflict.
Demonstrations in Kyiv drew 10,000 citizens demanding Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrsky's removal, reflecting broader frustration over military command decisions along the 1,200-kilometer front line.
According to the Financial Times, Zelensky held consultations with senior commanders—including Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatiuk, and Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol—to identify potential successors capable of taking command without disrupting active combat operations.
Dissent has also escalated within military ranks, where several soldiers reportedly tore up military awards bearing Syrsky's signature to voice their discontent.
Lieutenant Colonel Bohdan Krotevych, a defender of Mariupol who spent months in Russian captivity, publicly rejected an honor signed by the general.
"I do not need an award from someone who does not know what honour and dignity are," he wrote.
Military analyst group DeepState UA reported that dissatisfaction spans rank-and-file troops as well as brigade and corps commanders who feel unable to voice criticisms due to severe disciplinary consequences.
"It is not a conspiracy theory, but a statement of the fact that a huge number of soldiers, from rank-and-file troops to brigade and corps commanders, are dissatisfied with the commander-in-chief," the group wrote.
"They have many views on the matter, but cannot express them because it would be outright suicide."
In contrast, defenders of the commander-in-chief highlight his extensive operational achievements and strategic contributions to Ukraine's defense since the 2022 invasion.
Commanders Apostol, Naval Chief Oleksii Neizhpapa, and Territorial Defence Chief Ihor Plakhuta issued formal statements backing Syrsky, citing his leadership during the defense of Kyiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive.
Defenders emphasize that Syrsky developed NATO-studied tactical operational models and executed the 2024 offensive in Kursk that successfully diverted Russian offensive resources.
Under Syrsky's command, Ukrainian forces recaptured over 700 square kilometers of territory while establishing strategic positions for potential negotiations.
Zelensky's leadership evaluations remain ongoing as public pressure mounts across major Ukrainian cities.
