Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, replacing him with Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty after days of political tension and public protests over military leadership.

According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, Zelensky announced the appointment of Drapaty on Tuesday, thanking Syrsky for his service and praising Ukrainian troops for maintaining strong frontline positions.

Syrsky, 60, had served as Ukraine’s top military commander since 2024 and was widely recognised for leading the defence of Kyiv during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

His removal follows the controversial dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose departure sparked nationwide protests. Fedorov, 35, accused Syrsky of blocking military reforms and influencing Zelensky to remove him, allegations Syrsky denied.

The dispute exposed rare divisions within Ukraine’s political and military leadership, despite recent battlefield gains that have slowed Russian advances and intensified Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure.

Drapaty, 43, is a decorated major general who previously commanded Ukraine’s ground forces and fought in the Donbas conflict. He gained national recognition for his role during the 2014 fighting in Mariupol.

Reacting to his appointment, Drapaty said serving Ukraine during the war for independence carried “absolute responsibility”. Fedorov also welcomed the change, describing it as “a breath of fresh air and a new hope” for Ukraine’s war effort.

Analysts told AFP that unlike former commander Valery Zaluzhny, Syrsky was not considered a political rival to Zelensky. However, he faced criticism over troop losses and the pace of reforms in procurement, mobilisation and military equipment.

Drapaty becomes Ukraine’s third commander-in-chief since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.