Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly weighing the dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), according to sources cited by the Financial Times. This potential move comes amid the largest military leadership crisis of Zelenskyy’s presidency, fueled by public protests following the recent dismissal of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Zelenskyy has been meeting with senior military commanders this weekend to assess the battlefield situation along the front line and evaluate potential successors. While no final decision has been made, the president is said to be open to removing Syrskyi provided a suitable replacement can ensure a smooth transition and maintain stable defenses across the approximately 1,200-kilometer front.
The tensions escalated after Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov, a reform-minded 35-year-old minister who had served only about six months but was credited with significant efficiency gains. Reports indicate that Fedorov and Syrskyi’s relationship had deteriorated to the point where they no longer communicated directly, with interactions mediated only through the president. Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret over the lack of unity between the two.
Public backlash has been swift and vocal. Protests in Kyiv and other cities have demanded not only Fedorov’s reinstatement but also Syrskyi’s removal, with demonstrators chanting “Syrsky – out!” Potential candidates mentioned in media reports include commanders such as Mykhailo Drapatyi, Andriy Biletskyi, and others with strong frontline reputations.
Official Ukrainian Response
“The information circulating in the information space, including on social media and in certain media outlets, regarding the alleged dismissal of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi is not true. General Oleksandr Syrskyi continues to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
— General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (July 20, 2026)
The General Staff emphasized that any such dismissal can only occur via presidential decree and confirmed that both Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Andrii Hnatov remain in their positions.
Syrskyi himself addressed related controversies in a recent column, rejecting portrayals of a personal feud with Fedorov and stating, “I am not at war with the ministry. I am at war with Russia.” He stressed the need for unity and focus on the battlefield amid ongoing challenges like mobilization reform and resource allocation.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of intense fighting, with Ukrainian forces holding key positions amid Russian advances in several sectors. Analysts note that any leadership change at this stage carries risks of disruption but could also address demands for renewed strategy and better civil-military coordination.
As of now, Zelenskyy has not made a public announcement on the matter, and the outcome of his meetings with military leaders remains closely watched both domestically and by Ukraine’s international partners. The coming days may clarify whether this reported consideration leads to further reshuffling in Ukraine’s defense leadership.
