Zelensky reshuffles military leadership as mobilization pressures mount

UKRAINE - In Brief 22 Jul 2026 by Dmytro Boyarchuk

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After a week of street protests over the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi. Recall that after the dismissal of the Svyrydenko Cabinet, one narrative began to spread that the entire rationale behind Svyrydenko's unexpected resignation was to use it as cover for removing Defense Minister Fedorov, who had been gaining significant popularity on the back of Ukraine's drone deep-strike campaign and the logistical blockade of Crimea. Public discussion then evolved into an open dispute between Fedorov and Syrskyi, with Fedorov publicly criticizing Syrskyi for resisting army reforms and clinging to old Soviet practices of waging war, which he blamed for heavy casualties. Insiders began talking about an internal confrontation between the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff over the future direction of the war, and Syrskyi ultimately outmaneuvered Fedorov, resulting in Fedorov's dismissal. Against this backdrop, thousands of people across the country took to the streets in support of Fedorov and demanded Syrskyi's dismissal. Zelensky spent the following several days meeting with top army commanders, and yesterday announced his decision to remove Syrskyi and replace him with Drapatyi. General Drapatyi is a legendary figure in the army, enjoying strong support among soldiers as well as broad backing across society. Zelensky evidently chose this appointment to let off steam. As for Fedorov, Zelensky has reportedly offered him a position on the National Security and Defense Council; however, Fedorov is said to be insisting on his return to the Ministry of Defen...