Ukrainians welcome new army chief but seek return of fired defence minister
Summary
Ukraine appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as the new army chief after firing Oleksandr Syrsky, who faced protests. Many Ukrainians, including soldiers, want former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov to return because of his reforms and efforts to protect soldiers.Key Facts
- Mykhailo Drapaty became Ukraine’s new army commander on July 20, 2026.
- Oleksandr Syrsky was removed after protests demanding his and former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s reinstatement.
- The protests were the largest related to the war since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
- Soldiers want Fedorov back because he pushed for fixed-term contracts, so soldiers know how long they serve.
- Syrsky was praised for military successes but criticized for high soldier losses and a violence scandal in the Skelia assault unit.
- Syrsky acknowledged the violence as shameful and said those responsible were punished.
- Fedorov worked on improving Ukraine’s drone technology to reduce soldier casualties.
- Civilians joining protests were seen as important in influencing military leadership changes.
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