Story perspectives

Zelenskyy Dismisses Syrskyi, Appoints Drapatyi as Armed Forces Chief

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired General Oleksandr Syrskyi and named Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
The dismissal followed nationwide protests demanding a change in top military leadership.
Zelenskyy announced a restructuring of the General Staff of the Armed Forces on X.
Analysts say Drapatyi enjoys high trust within the military and could bridge the divide between defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s technology-led approach and Syrskyi’s traditional doctrine.

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Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired General Oleksandr Syrskyi and named Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
The dismissal followed nationwide protests demanding a change in top military leadership.
Zelenskyy announced a restructuring of the General Staff of the Armed Forces on X.
Analysts say Drapatyi enjoys high trust within the military and could bridge the divide between defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s technology-led approach and Syrskyi’s traditional doctrine.