Zelensky sacks Ukraine army chief Syrsky after protests over minister's dismissal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed military chief Oleksandr Syrsky on Tuesday following days of public pressure over the earlier removal of the defence minister. Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, an ally of the ousted minister, was named as the new commander-in-chief.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of military chief Oleksandr Syrsky on Tuesday, a move that followed days of public pressure stemming from the earlier removal of the country's defence minister. Zelensky named Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, an ally of the ousted minister, as the new commander-in-chief.
The shake-up comes amid escalating political tension around Ukraine's military leadership in recent days. Street protests had reflected widespread public unease over the defence minister's dismissal, and Syrsky's removal is being read as a response to that pressure.
The development marks a significant change to Ukraine's military command structure at a time when Russia continues its strikes against the country. Analysts say they will be watching closely to see how the leadership change affects wartime strategy in the near term.
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