Zelensky fires army commander-in-chief Syrsky as protests sweep Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday announced the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the Armed Forces following days of nationwide protests.
"I have determined that Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Zelensky said, adding that he and senior officials had agreed on changes to the structure of the General Staff.
Zelensky thanked Syrsky for his service, highlighting his role in the defence of Kyiv, the Kharkiv counteroffensive and the Kursk operation.
"The fact is that Oleksandr Syrsky ensured Ukraine's results in the defence of Kiev. In the Kharkov offensive operation, in the Kursk operation... a significant path has been travelled," he said.
The president also said he had offered former defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov a "worthy position in the government" focused on strengthening Ukraine's technological development.
Fedorov's dismissal last week sparked protests across the country. Zelensky declined to publicly explain the reasons for the move, saying he did not want to disclose information that could benefit Russia.
The reshuffle also saw former Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretsky appointed prime minister, replacing Yuliia Svyrydenko.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
