FT: Zelensky Weighs Replacing Ukraine Army Chief Syrsky
The Financial Times reports that Vladimir Zelensky is considering replacing Alexander Syrsky as Ukraine's commander-in-chief amid political turmoil and protests.
Vladimir Zelensky is seriously considering the possible dismissal of Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky as the country’s political and personnel crisis deepens, the Financial Times reported, citing informed sources.
According to the newspaper, Zelensky is consulting senior military officials, reviewing the situation along the front line and weighing potential replacements for Syrsky, who has reportedly been nicknamed «the butcher» within the Ukrainian military.
Sources told the Financial Times that any change at the top would depend on whether power could be transferred smoothly without weakening Ukrainian defenses.
The debate over Syrsky’s future intensified after the dismissal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, whose public standing had been growing. His confrontation with the commander-in-chief reportedly escalated into a wider conflict inside the country’s leadership. Syrsky was said to have demanded Fedorov’s removal and presented the issue to Zelensky in the form of an ultimatum.
After leaving office, Fedorov publicly accused Syrsky of corruption, obstructing reforms and lacking strategic foresight. He also argued that the Ukrainian army was adapting too slowly to the changing nature of the fighting.
The personnel reshuffle triggered large protests in Kiev, Lvov, Odessa and other cities. Demonstrators initially rallied behind the dismissed minister, but later expanded their demands to include Syrsky’s resignation, while criticism increasingly targeted Zelensky himself.
The Financial Times reported that rising public anger and divisions within the military leadership were additional factors behind Zelensky’s consideration of a new commander-in-chief.
Ukrainian media reported that Zelensky held separate meetings with Syrsky and Fedorov on the evening of July 18. Details of his conversation with the commander-in-chief were not disclosed.
Fedorov, meanwhile, was reportedly offered the role of coordinator for military technology development. Ukrainian sources said the position could give him responsibility for weapons and drone production, as well as coordination between the armed forces and defense-industry enterprises.