Ukraine’s army chief expected to lose job after week of protests

Key Points:

• Ukraine’s commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi is expected to be replaced as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appears to be responding to public protests demanding a reshuffle in the military leadership.
• Thousands of demonstrators in Kyiv have called for Syrskyi’s removal and the reinstatement of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed after conflicts with Syrskyi and the general staff.
• Syrskyi denied having a personal conflict with Fedorov and emphasized focusing on the war effort against Russia rather than internal disputes, while Ukraine’s general staff confirmed he remains in his post pending presidential decree.
• Zelenskyy’s chief of staff acknowledged public concerns and indicated a professional resolution is underway, with Zelenskyy meeting potential replacements including senior commanders like Mykhailo Drapatiy.
• Protest organizers have set a Friday deadline for Fedorov’s reinstatement, threatening nationwide protests if their demands are not met, while Zelenskyy highlighted recent successful Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory.