President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed army commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Just days after Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was ousted – a decision that stirred street protests nationwide – the president has decided to discharge Syrskyi, a 60‑year‑old officer seen as the embodiment of Soviet‑style command.
Rumours that the two men had been in conflict had been circulating since Fedorov’s dismissal. These are now confirmed by the latest move, underscoring a deeper rift within Ukraine’s military leadership.
Fedorov, 35, was widely lauded for energising the ministry, driving reforms, and purging corruption. His departure leaves a gap in the reformist wing of the armed forces.
Syrskyi, often described as a Soviet‑school commander, has been reluctant to implement the radical changes that Fedorov championed. His tenure had been marked by a focus on traditional tactics and a resistance to the new, agile operational concepts required in the current conflict.
As the war with Russia continues to impose heavy demands on Ukraine’s military, leadership reshuffles such as this could significantly shift how the army tackles strategic priorities and operational readiness.
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