Syrsky Dismissal Delayed as Ukraine Weighs 11 Replacements
Ukraine has delayed a final decision on Alexander Syrsky’s dismissal as officials interview 11 candidates and prepare broader military leadership changes.
The expected dismissal of Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky did not take place on July 20, despite reports from Ukrainian media sources that he was due to leave the post that day. The issue remains unresolved, however, with a final decision reportedly postponed for several days as Ukrainian authorities interview potential replacements.
Ukrainian journalist Vitaly Glagola, citing his sources, said the decision was expected before the end of the week and would be accompanied by a broader reshuffle within the country’s military leadership.
Bloomberg named Mikhail Drapaty, commander of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as the most likely candidate to replace Syrsky.
Sources close to Vladimir Zelensky and the government also provided Liga with the names of several other leading contenders. They include Third Army Corps commander Andrey Biletsky*, Air Assault Forces commander Oleg Apostol, Khartiya National Guard Corps commander Igor Obolensky and Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff Igor Gorbatyuk.
Ukrainian authorities are reportedly considering a total of 11 candidates for the commander-in-chief position.
The uncertainty surrounding Syrsky’s future comes as mass protests continue across Ukraine following Zelensky’s dismissal of Defense Ministry head Mikhail Fedorov, who had been in conflict with Syrsky. Demonstrations have been held for several days in Kyiv, Lvov and other major cities.
*Andrey Biletsky is included in Rosfinmonitoring’s register of terrorists and extremists.