President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of Ukraine’s commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi days after the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that ignited street protests across the country. Rumours of a conflict between the two officials were confirmed, highlighting deep divides over reforming the armed forces. Supporters hailed Fedorov for revitalising the ministry and cracking down on corruption, while Syrskyi was viewed as a Soviet‑era stalwart hesitant to adopt radical changes. The swift political shake‑up underlines a turbulent period for Ukraine’s military leadership, with citizens demanding swift action and greater transparency.
Zelensky Cuts Ukraine’s Army Chief Amid Protests
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi just weeks after removing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sparking street protests nationwide.
Rumours of a clash between Fedorov and Syrskyi soon turned out to be true, with the former hailed for revitalising the forces and tackling corruption, while the latter was seen as a Soviet‑era stalwart reluctant to change the army’s structure.
This story continues to evolve. Refresh the page for the latest updates.
Get breaking news on your phone via the BBC News App, or follow @BBCBreaking on X for instant alerts.
