President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Ukraine’s commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and initiated a significant government reshuffle by inviting the recently fired defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, to return to a prominent role. This decision follows weeks of nationwide unrest, marking one of the most severe political challenges faced by the administration since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Protesters had previously set a Friday deadline for Fedorov’s reinstatement, threatening indefinite demonstrations if their demands were ignored. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude toward the outgoing Syrskyi, specifically highlighting his leadership during the defense of Kyiv and the summer 2024 counter-invasion of Russia’s Kursk province, which saw foreign tanks enter Russian territory for the first time since the Second World War. “The defence of Ukraine continues. And every soldier deserves to be treated with respect,” Zelenskyy stated.
The new commander in chief, Major General Mykhailo Drapati, is widely respected by both the public and military personnel. Known for his combat experience since 2014, Drapati gained national recognition for his actions in Mariupol. While his appointment is viewed as a move toward institutional reform, Zelenskyy noted that Drapati’s mandate includes updating the national defence strategy and addressing the challenges of military mobilisation.
Fedorov welcomed the appointment of Drapati, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” and a necessary step for the country’s future. “The high expectations of the Ukrainian people must be met with a clear vision for ending the war for independence, a strong team and decisive actions aimed at saving the lives of our soldiers, automating the front line, delivering asymmetric strikes and crippling the Russian economy,” Fedorov said.
While Fedorov’s specific new portfolio remains undisclosed, Zelenskyy indicated that he offered him a position intended to unify the state’s technological sector. The role of defence minister is currently held by Yevhen Khmara, a former special operations commander. Looking forward, the president reaffirmed that Ukraine would maintain its strategy of using long-range drone strikes against targets such as Russian oil refineries. “Our programme of precision strikes will be implemented with absolute precision,” Zelenskyy added, emphasizing a shared commitment to forcing Russia toward peace through sustained pressure.
