Kyiv, 22 July (H.S.): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday dismissed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the country's new military chief, marking a significant leadership change amid the ongoing war with Russia and growing calls for reforms within Ukraine's armed forces.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to General Syrskyi for his service and praised Ukrainian soldiers for maintaining strong defensive positions along the front line. He said Drapaty would now lead the Armed Forces as Ukraine continues its military campaign against Russian forces.

Syrskyi, 60, had served as Commander-in-Chief since February 2024 after succeeding General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. A veteran military officer trained during the Soviet era, Syrskyi played a key role in the defence of Kyiv during the initial phase of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and was regarded as one of Ukraine's most experienced battlefield commanders.

The leadership reshuffle comes days after President Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from office. Fedorov, who had been appointed only six months earlier, had championed military modernisation and technological reforms. Following his removal, he publicly alleged that Syrskyi had opposed several of his reform initiatives and had pressured the President to replace him. Syrskyi rejected those allegations.

The dispute exposed rare differences within Ukraine's political and military leadership at a time when the country's forces have slowed Russian advances in several sectors and intensified long-range strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure and energy facilities.

The newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, 43, previously served as Commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces and Ground Forces. A decorated officer, Drapaty has been involved in military operations since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014 and is widely recognised for his frontline leadership during the fighting around Mariupol.

After his appointment on Tuesday, Drapaty said serving Ukraine was both an honour and a profound responsibility, particularly during what he described as the country's war for independence. He pledged to continue leading the armed forces with dedication and determination.

Former Defence Minister Fedorov welcomed Drapaty's appointment, describing it as a source of new hope for Ukraine's military and expressing confidence that the new leadership could accelerate reforms and strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

The dismissal of Fedorov last week had triggered protests in several Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators calling for greater transparency, faster military reforms and changes in senior defence leadership. Many protesters had criticised delays in procurement, mobilisation and modernisation efforts.

Military analysts note that Drapaty becomes Ukraine's third Commander-in-Chief since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. His appointment comes as both Russia and Ukraine continue to intensify aerial attacks, while fighting remains active across multiple sections of the front line.

The leadership transition is expected to shape Ukraine's military strategy in the coming months as Kyiv seeks to sustain battlefield momentum, strengthen defence reforms and maintain international support amid the prolonged conflict with Russia.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar