Zelensky replaces Ukraine's top military commander as leadership shake-up continues

Syrsky, who is 60 years old, had served as commander-in-chief since 2024. He previously led the defence of Kyiv in the early phase of Russia's invasion in 2022, a role that cemented his position as one of Ukraine's most senior military figures. His removal ends a tenure that spanned a critical stretch of the war.

Syrsky's tenure and record

The dismissal came days after Zelensky fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had held the defence portfolio before being removed. Fedorov has publicly accused Syrsky of forcing him out of his post and of stalling his attempts to reform the military. The exchange of accusations between the two officials highlights internal tensions within Ukraine's wartime leadership.

Fedorov's removal from the defence ministry triggered several days of public protests in his support, adding political pressure to an already turbulent period for the Zelensky administration. Protesters rallied against what they described as an effort to undermine reformist officials in the defence establishment.

Fedorov's removal and the protests that followed

Zelensky's appointment of Drapaty is intended to signal continuity at the top of the armed forces while pursuing broader changes in how the military is managed. Drapaty previously served as joint forces commander, a senior operational role overseeing combat formations in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Together, the firing of Fedorov and the dismissal of Syrsky form part of what Ukrainian officials have described as a major ongoing shake-up in the country's leadership. The pace of change suggests that Zelensky is seeking to reshape both the civilian defence bureaucracy and the military high command simultaneously.

Drapaty steps into the top job

The personnel moves come against the backdrop of an active war with Russia, raising questions about the timing and strategic intent of the leadership changes. Analysts inside and outside Ukraine have pointed to the need for fresh approaches in military planning as the conflict continues into another year.

Zelensky has not publicly detailed the full scope of the reshuffle beyond the two senior dismissals. The presidential office indicated that further appointments and reassignments within the defence and security apparatus are expected in the coming weeks.

What comes next for Ukraine's command

The dismissal of Syrsky and the elevation of Drapaty leave the chain of command in new hands at a moment when Ukraine faces sustained fighting along multiple fronts. How the new leadership translates into operational changes on the ground will be closely watched by allies and by the Ukrainian public.

For now, the change represents both a break with the recent past and an assertion of presidential authority over the wartime command structure. The replacement of a high-profile commander with a senior operational officer is being read as an effort to consolidate decision-making at the top of the armed forces.