Zelenskiy replaces Ukraine's army chief with Russia-wanted Drapatyi

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy dismissed Chief of General Staff Aleksandr Syrskyi. He was replaced by Mikhail Drapatyi, who is wanted by Russia's Interior Ministry for war crimes in Donbas.

Scraper SystemJuly 22, 2026, 08:40 AM

Zelenskiy replaces Ukraine's army chief with Russia-wanted Drapatyi

A sudden change occurred in Ukraine's General Staff. President Vladimir Zelenskiy dismissed Aleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Mikhail Drapatyi in his place. The new Chief of General Staff, Drapatyi, draws attention as a figure wanted by Russia's Interior Ministry for war crimes in Donbas.

The decision coincided with the second week of protests dubbed the 'cardboard Maidan' in the country. The demonstrations initially supported former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, but over time shifted their target to Syrskyi and finally to Zelenskiy.

Western countries are allegedly pressuring Zelenskiy to reinstate previously dismissed Fedorov as defense minister and to dismiss Syrskyi. Zelenskiy is said to be seeking a middle ground by dismissing Syrskyi but not bringing back Fedorov.

Fedorov is known for organizing attacks on Russian territory and is seen in the West as 'the man who changed the course of the conflict.' The rivalry between Syrskyi and Fedorov is said to point to a deep rift in Ukrainian politics.

Drapatyi, known as the leader of the anti-Syrskyi faction within the army, is seen as having an independent stance that poses a risk for Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy is also said to have previously dissuaded him from resigning.

Meanwhile, there are assessments that Zelenskiy is uncomfortable with Fedorov's growing popularity and that the West is grooming Fedorov as an alternative to him. There is also talk that Syrskyi could become an advisor to NATO or the UK in the future.

Zelenskiy replaces Ukraine's army chief with Russia-wanted Drapatyi

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy dismissed Chief of General Staff Aleksandr Syrskyi. He was replaced by Mikhail Drapatyi, who is wanted by Russia's Interior Ministry for war crimes in Donbas.