Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, replacing him with General Mykhailo Drapatyi in one of the most significant military leadership changes since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The move comes just days after Zelenskyy removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests and fuelled speculation about divisions within Ukraine's military and political leadership.
Reports suggesting tensions between Fedorov and Syrskyi had contributed to the recent shake-up were later confirmed, adding to growing scrutiny over the country's wartime leadership structure.
Syrskyi, 60, had served as one of Ukraine's most prominent military commanders and was credited with helping organise the defence of Kyiv during the opening phase of Russia's invasion in 2022.
Announcing the decision on social media, Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his service and praised his role in several key military operations.
The outgoing commander, however, had faced criticism from some military observers and soldiers who viewed him as a representative of a more traditional Soviet-style command structure and resistant to deeper reforms within the armed forces.
Syrskyi will be succeeded by General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a battlefield commander, one of Ukraine's most experienced and respected military leaders.
Drapatyi has earned a reputation for frontline leadership and is widely regarded as a commander capable of driving reforms while maintaining combat effectiveness in the ongoing war with Russia.
"All decisions will be formalised tomorrow," Zelenskyy said.
The dismissal follows the departure of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, who had been credited with modernising the defence ministry, strengthening military capabilities and spearheading anti-corruption initiatives.
His removal triggered public criticism and street demonstrations, reflecting concerns among some Ukrainians about changes to the country's wartime leadership.
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes milita...
Russian parliamentary elections have delivered a comfortable win to the ruling United Russia party, which is closely aligned to President Vladimir ...
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Servic...
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes military action against Tehran.
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Service has said.
Russian parliamentary elections have delivered a comfortable win to the ruling United Russia party, which is closely aligned to President Vladimir Putin. With more than 95 per cent of ballots counted, United Russia has taken 57.83 per cent of the vote, up from the 49.8 per cent it won in 2021.
A powerful typhoon was approaching Japan’s Pacific coast on Monday, bringing torrential rain, strong winds and a heightened risk of landslides across the Kanto region, including Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 21 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in sports.
Baku is preparing to host its 10th Formula 1 race, with the city’s streets once again set to transform into one of the most demanding circuits on the F1 calendar.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment