Zelensky Dismisses Armed Forces Chief Following Recent Protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to dismiss Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Syrskyi’s dismissal comes several days after Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was removed from office, a move followed by protests in various cities across the country.

It was initially rumored that Fedorov had been dismissed because of a conflict with Syrskyi. These claims were later confirmed, sparking debate over the changes being made to the leadership of the Ukrainian military.

Fedorov, 35, has been praised for transforming the Defense Ministry, efforts to modernize the armed forces and leading anti-corruption campaigns.

Syrskyi, 60, meanwhile, has been viewed by many Ukrainians as a military officer trained in the Soviet school tradition who has shown reservations about sweeping reforms in the military.

The Ukrainian president’s office has not yet disclosed the full reasons for Syrskyi’s dismissal or the name of the person who will replace him.