Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in a move that follows last week's removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and subsequent public demonstrations against that decision. The two departures stem from underlying disagreements between the officials, with Fedorov having become known for revitalising the defence ministry, combating corruption, and implementing institutional reforms, whilst Syrskyi represented the more conventional approach to military command and was perceived as resistant to comprehensive modernisation of the armed forces.

Syrskyi, who had been credited with helping to protect Kyiv during Russia's initial 2022 invasion, has been succeeded by General Mykhailo Drapatyi, who holds broader popularity and extensive battlefield experience. The leadership reshuffling signals Zelensky's prioritisation of institutional reform and generational change within Ukraine's military structure during the country's continuing conflict with Russia.