Zelenskyy fires Ukraine’s army chief and offers Fedorov ‘prominent position’

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces to lead a reorganisation of the military command.
• Zelenskyy reinstated former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov to a prominent government position following widespread protests demanding his return after his recent sacking.
• Drapatyi, a respected battlefield commander and ally of Fedorov, is expected to focus on modernising Ukraine’s military, continuing precision drone strikes against Russia, and updating defence strategy amid ongoing conflict.
• The leadership changes aim to address public demands and improve military effectiveness as Ukraine faces challenges including mobilisation difficulties after years of war.
• Zelenskyy praised Syrskyi’s contributions to defending Kyiv and launching counteroffensives into Russian territory, emphasizing respect for all soldiers and a commitment to victory and peace.