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.
The death toll from last week's catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet rose to 939 on Monday, with 3,044 peo...
At least 11 people, including eight children, have been killed after a powerful explosion at a firecracker fact...
Recovery teams are continuing operations in Grand Canyon National Park after flash floods swept through parts of the canyon over the weekend, leavi...
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have concluded talks in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils its commitments, a senior Iranian diplomat said on Saturday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused U.S. government and Israel-aligned actors of manipulating energy markets to promote the war with Iran.
Russian strikes on the Kyiv region overnight killed 37 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. Zelenskyy added that the Ukrainian capital was under "virtually nonstop attack" from drones.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, with Tehran responding by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Jordan in the first direct U.S.-Iran military escalation in weeks.
The death toll from last week's catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet rose to 939 on Monday, with 3,044 people still missing, as fresh rainfall pushed up river levels and forced rescuers to move to higher ground.
Recovery teams are continuing operations in Grand Canyon National Park after flash floods swept through parts of the canyon over the weekend, leaving one person dead and leading to the discovery of a second body that has yet to be recovered.
Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalised their new defensive alliance at the grouping’s first high-level meeting held Monday in Istanbul.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran is not pursuing a military conflict but promised a strong response to 'aggressors' while the Army and Revolutionary Guards said they carried out retaliatory attacks against U.S. bases in the region on Monday.
Kyrgyzstan is hosting the sixth World Nomad Games, bringing together thousands of athletes from around the world for a celebration of traditional sports, cultural heritage and nomadic traditions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment