Zelensky weighs sacking army chief Syrskyi after defence protests

President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to dismiss Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, following a week of public protests in Kyiv. The demonstrations were sparked by the sudden firing of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that exposed a deep rift between the civilian leadership and the military high command.

For European defence contractors and investors, Fedorov’s removal introduces uncertainty into Ukraine’s rapidly expanding military procurement market. Since taking office in January, the tech-savvy reformer was credited with turning battlefield momentum in Ukraine’s favour, largely by aggressively ramping up state purchases of drones. His departure raises questions about the continuity of these supply chains and future contracts with European drone manufacturers. The instability comes as European capitals are increasing their own defence spending and relying on Ukrainian battlefield feedback to develop next-generation systems.

Protesters outside the president’s office demanded Syrskyi’s removal and Fedorov’s reinstatement, pointing to the minister's crucial intervention to cut Russian units off from Starlink internet services. However, Fedorov’s attempts to overhaul the sprawling defence ministry and armed forces reportedly created significant friction with Syrskyi. Furthermore, his tenure failed to resolve longstanding problems with military conscription.

Syrskyi publicly attempted to downplay the infighting on Monday. Writing in the military outlet Militarnyi, he stated: “It is hard work, not the public drama surrounding it, that wins the war. Ukraine is greater than Fedorov, Syrskyi, or any one of us.” He added that he was “sorry” if he had offended Fedorov, asking the public to focus on victory rather than personal disputes.

Zelensky openly acknowledged the division during a press conference last week with Sir Keir Starmer. “I would like unity very much. The parties did not find it. And this is not only the problem of the parties, but also mine,” the president said. Two unnamed sources told Bloomberg that Zelensky is considering replacing Syrskyi with Joint Forces chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, though Drapatyi is reportedly just one of 11 potential candidates.

Ukraine’s general staff has denied reports of Syrskyi’s imminent dismissal, stating that he and his deputy, Andriy Hinatov, are continuing their duties. Syrskyi has held the top military post since February 2024, when he replaced General Valerii Zaluzhnyi amid rising tensions that were officially attributed to health grounds. Meanwhile, parliament is preparing to vote on replacing Fedorov with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. It remains unclear whether Fedorov, the last remaining minister to have served in all of Zelensky’s governments since 2019, will be reassigned.