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Zelensky Fires Army Chief, Defense Minister Amid Protests

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
President Volodymyr Zelensky named General Mykhailo Drapatyi as Syrskyi’s replacement.
President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, prompting street protests.
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed former SBU official Yevhenii Khmara as Fedorov’s successor.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for defending Kyiv in 2022 and said all decisions will be formalised tomorrow.

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Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
President Volodymyr Zelensky named General Mykhailo Drapatyi as Syrskyi’s replacement.
President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, prompting street protests.
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed former SBU official Yevhenii Khmara as Fedorov’s successor.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for defending Kyiv in 2022 and said all decisions will be formalised tomorrow.