Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired army commander-in-chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi on July 21, 2026, replacing him with Maj.
Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi.
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The decision came after days of nationwide protests sparked by the removal of a popular defense minister.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Kyiv and other major cities. They demanded Syrskyi's removal and the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Protesters criticized Syrskyi for an outdated, Soviet-style command culture and heavy-handed tactics. They pointed to severe casualties, including during the defense of Bakhmut.
Alongside Drapatyi's appointment, Zelenskyy named Maj. Gen.
Ihor Skybyuk as the new Chief of the General Staff.
The president tasked the new leadership with updating Ukraine's defense strategy, reforming the corps system, accelerating drone and weapons procurement, and establishing a clearer mobilization framework.
"Our shared wish is one — victory over the enemy and conditions at the front and in pressure on Russia that would force Russia toward peace," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy praised Syrskyi for his role in defending the capital and organizing successful counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kursk.
"I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine's strong front-line positions," he said.
The president also offered Fedorov a position to lead national technology initiatives. It remained unconfirmed whether Fedorov accepted.
Newly appointed commander Drapatyi, a 43-year-old decorated general, pledged to prioritize unit resilience and troop welfare.
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