Zelensky removes army chief Syrskyi following protests over defence minister change

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, days after the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov sparked street protests across the country. In a video posted on social media, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his role in defending Kyiv during the early phase of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and said the decision was part of a broader reshuffle.

Fedorov, 35, who had been appointed defence minister in January and was credited with modernising the ministry, was replaced by former security service official Yevhenii Khmara. Zelensky said he had met Fedorov earlier in the day and offered him a "worthy position in power," without confirming whether the offer was accepted.

Fedorov praised the appointment of Syrskyi's successor, describing it as a "new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice" and emphasizing the need for faster reforms. He also thanked Syrskyi for his contributions to the defence of the Kyiv region and called for continued efforts to address past mistakes.

The changes come amid public demonstrations in several Ukrainian cities over military contracts, procurement and mobilisation issues, which officials say are more complex than the slogans voiced by protesters.