Alexander Syrsky is leaving his post as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky has announced. Major General Mikhail Drapaty, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, will take over as head of the Ukrainian military.

Zelensky also said the reshuffle would extend to the General Staff, whose composition is expected to change.

The Guardian reported a day earlier that the decision to dismiss Syrsky had already been made. According to the newspaper, the authorities intended to appoint a new commander who would not pose a political threat to the head of the Kiev regime.

The changes in the military leadership follow a broader government shake-up. Last week, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko and the entire cabinet, including Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov.

Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak claimed that Zelensky had blamed Fedorov for the failure of the military enlistment office reform. After the minister’s dismissal, demonstrations were held in Kiev and other cities in support of Fedorov and against Syrsky.

A permanent defense minister has yet to be appointed. Zelensky temporarily assigned the ministry’s duties to acting Security Service of Ukraine chief Yevgeny Khmara.