Ukraine's Zelensky fires commander-in-chief Syrskyi after mass protests, appoints Drapatyi

Jul 21, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, following days of mass protests across the country. The demonstrations were triggered by the dismissal of popular, tech-savvy Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had clashed with the Soviet-trained Syrskyi over military reforms and innovation. Drapatyi, representing a new generation of leadership, has been tasked with intensifying offensive operations.

Military leadership shakeup

▪Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, was viewed as a Soviet-era general with a rigid command style that critics said resulted in high troop losses.
▪Mykhailo Drapatyi is considered part of a new generation of Ukrainian military leadership who supports innovation and reform.
▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on or around July 21, 2026.
▪Major General Ihor Skybyuk was appointed as the new Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
▪Zelensky appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces.

Mass protests over Fedorov dismissal

▪Protesters demanded the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister and the removal of Oleksandr Syrskyi.
▪The political crisis stemmed from clashes between Fedorov, a tech-savvy reformer, and Syrskyi, whom Fedorov accused of blocking military reforms.
▪The protests were triggered by President Zelensky's dismissal of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, the previous week.
▪President Zelensky offered Mykhailo Fedorov a "prominent position" in the government, but it was unclear if he accepted the offer.
▪The dismissal of Oleksandr Syrskyi followed days of widespread street protests in Kyiv and at least 16 other cities.

Drapatyi's strategic objectives

▪New commander Mykhailo Drapatyi stated he was tasked by President Zelensky to continue and intensify offensive operations in all domains.
▪Mykhailo Drapatyi's objectives include planning new operations behind enemy lines and developing Ukraine's military technology.
▪President Zelensky tasked the new military leadership with presenting an updated defense strategy, including a clearer mobilization plan and faster weapon deliveries.

Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets

▪Mykhailo Fedorov's policies as defense minister emphasized using new technology, particularly drones, to conduct asymmetric strikes and damage the Russian economy.
▪President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine's long-range drone attacks on targets inside Russia, such as oil refineries, would continue under the new command.

Russian military advances

▪Despite Russian advances slowing in 2026, its troops continue to press attacks in strategic areas of eastern Ukraine.
▪Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he did not think the Ukrainian military leadership change would lead to any changes on the battlefield.