Zelenskyy replaces army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi amid protests
President Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief to oversee military modernization. The leadership change follows public protests regarding the military's command structure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi from his post as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces. The removal, announced by the president in a late-night television address on 21 July 2026, marks a major restructuring of Ukraine’s military leadership. In his place, Zelenskyy has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, the current commander of the joint forces group, to lead the military through a comprehensive modernization of its command structure and defense strategy.
This leadership overhaul follows a period of intense domestic volatility. Protests broke out across Ukraine last week, triggered by the president’s sudden removal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister. While initial demonstrations focused on Fedorov’s departure, public sentiment shifted rapidly to target Syrskyi. Critics and military veterans accused the outgoing commander of perpetuating a rigid, centralized command culture. Specifically, scrutiny intensified following reports regarding the Skelia Regiment, a large assault formation that faced allegations of abuse and unexplained noncombat deaths among its recruits.
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The appointment of Drapatyi is viewed as an attempt by the President’s Office to align military leadership with the reform-oriented, tech-centric vision championed by those currently protesting. Drapatyi, who has been involved in the conflict in the Donbas region since 2014, is widely regarded as an innovative battlefield leader. Reports suggest his new mandate is centered on the structural reform of the military institution rather than direct combat command. Following his appointment, Drapatyi received support from Fedorov, who described the decision as a breath of fresh air and new hope to the struggle of free people for freedom and justice.
Despite the change in military command, a political stalemate continues regarding the defense ministry. Although Zelenskyy confirmed he met with Fedorov on 21 July 2026, and offered him a prominent position
within the government to unify the technological sector, the former minister has declined. According to insights shared with The Kyiv Independent, Fedorov remains committed to a maximalist position, stating he will return to government only if reinstated as defense minister. That role is currently held by Yevhen Khmara, a former special operations commander, who serves as the acting defense minister.
The government’s decision to replace Syrskyi comes as part of a broader effort to mitigate public anger. Activists, who held rallies across Kyiv and other cities on 20 July 2026, have initiated a three-day pause in demonstrations. These organizers have set a deadline of 24 July 2026, for the government to fulfill their demands, which include the reinstatement of Fedorov. While the President’s Office maintains hope that the removal of Syrskyi will be sufficient to prevent the resumption of protests, the situation remains fluid. Officials within the government are weighing the possibility that the shift in leadership will cause public pressure to fade, eventually prompting Fedorov to reconsider the alternative roles previously proposed by the president.
Zelenskyy’s address also served to clarify the state of the ongoing conflict. The president paid tribute to the service of the outgoing commander, specifically noting Syrskyi's role in the defense of Kyiv and the counter-invasion of Russia’s Kursk province. Looking forward, Zelenskyy emphasized that the nation’s military objectives remain unchanged. He affirmed that the program of long-range precision strikes targeting Russian logistics will continue under the direction of the new command.
