Ukraine’s commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi faces imminent dismissal following sustained public pressure and demonstrations that began earlier in the week. The protests, which have drawn thousands of participants to the presidential office in Kyiv, intensified after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed defence minister Mykhailo Federov from his position. While Ukraine’s general staff issued a statement denying immediate plans to remove Syrskyi, high-ranking officials including Kyrylo Budanov, the president’s chief of staff, have indicated that the government is responding to public sentiment.
Tensions between Federov and Syrskyi reportedly contributed to the defence minister’s dismissal. Following his removal, Federov alleged that Syrskyi had obstructed reform efforts through bureaucratic obstacles and prioritised personal loyalty over operational merit. Military sources confirmed that Syrskyi’s departure is considered settled, with discussions now focusing on identifying a suitable replacement who possesses both military credentials and popular support, while maintaining political neutrality.
Several senior military commanders are being considered as potential successors, including Mykhailo Drapatiy, who heads Ukraine’s joint armed forces. Zelenskyy held meetings with multiple military officials on Monday, accompanied by newly appointed defence minister Yevheniy Khmara. Protest organisers have established a deadline of Friday for the government to reinstate Federov to his previous role, with organisers threatening nationwide demonstrations should this demand go unmet.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy highlighted recent military operations, noting that Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes against Russian logistics facilities, an oil depot, and vessels in the Black Sea, with targets located over 400 kilometres from Ukraine’s border. The president framed these operations as proportional responses to Russian attacks and stated that escalating pressure on Russia represents the path toward resolving the conflict.