Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Zelensky replaces Ukraine army chief after protests
President Zelensky of Ukraine fired the military chief, Gen.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, and replaced him with Mykhailo Drapatyi after big protests in Kyiv and other cities.
People were upset because they wanted changes in the military leadership.
Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his work but said it was time for new ideas.
The new military chief, Drapatyi, promised to work hard for Ukraine.
There were also protests last year that made Zelensky change some laws.
Now, Zelensky wants a new plan for defense, including better weapons and a clear plan for fighting.
A former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who is popular for modernizing the military, might get a new job in the government.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky fired military chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi and replaced him with Mykhailo Drapatyi following mass protests.
Protests demanded the removal of Syrskyi due to dissatisfaction with the military leadership and the need for reforms.
Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his achievements but emphasized the need for a new defense strategy.
Mykhailo Drapatyi, the new military chief, promised to work responsibly and with respect for the people defending Ukraine.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who is seen as the man behind the modernization of Ukraine's war efforts, might get a new job in the government.
- Who
- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Mykhailo Drapatyi, Mykhailo Fedorov, and protesters
- What
- Zelensky fired the military chief and named a replacement following protests
- When
- Tuesday (local time)
- Where
- Ukraine, specifically Kyiv and several other cities
- Why
- Protests demanded the removal of the military chief due to dissatisfaction with the military leadership and the need for reforms
Protesters and Reform Advocates
Traditional Military Leadership
Military Reforms
Protesters and Reform Advocates
Protesters and reform advocates, including former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, argue that the old Soviet-style command culture is ineffective and needs modernization to better combat Russian aggression.
Traditional Military Leadership
Traditional military leadership, represented by Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, upholds the existing command structure, which has been criticized for high casualties and resistance to reforms.
- President
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Former Military Chief
- Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi
- New Military Chief
- Mykhailo Drapatyi
- Former Defense Minister
- Mykhailo Fedorov
- Protest Locations
- Kyiv and several other cities in Ukraine
- Key Issues
- Military leadership change, reforms, and defense strategy
