Kyiv, Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s military, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi after days of street protests. The move is the largest change in Ukraine’s military leadership since the start of the war with Russia.
Leadership change
Drapatyi, who led Ukraine’s land forces from 2024 to 2025, is regarded as an experienced commander and has been described as representing a new generation of military leadership. His career has been shaped by more than a decade of fighting Russian forces.
Syrskyi, 60, had held the top military post since early 2024. He played a central role in the defence of Kyiv during the early stages of the war.
Government reshuffle and protests
The appointment followed a surprise government reshuffle last week, including the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, after six months in office.
The changes prompted a political crisis and days of protests. Critics said the government had not adequately explained the reshuffle, while analysts raised concerns that Ukraine’s recent battlefield momentum could be affected.
The crisis also highlighted strains in Ukraine’s domestic governance amid the absence of elections during the war.
Military strategy
Ukraine has sought to gain an advantage by targeting Russia’s energy sector, a major source of budget revenue, and its logistics networks.
“The operations of the Ukrainian Defence Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily. Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions and our program of middle-range strikes will be carried out with absolute precision,” Zelenskiy said when introducing Drapatyi.
Criticism of Syrskyi
Syrskyi had faced recurring criticism over his command style. Some service members said his approach was rigid and had resulted in unjustifiably high troop losses.
Opposition to Syrskyi had surfaced periodically, but last week’s reshuffle brought divisions within Ukraine’s defence leadership into public view.