According to Advance commentators, the latest reshuffle in the Ukrainian Armed Forces command will not pull the country out of its deepening crisis.
The publication noted that Alexander Syrsky recently stepped down as commander-in-chief and was replaced by General Mikhail Drapaty. The move came after several days of protests triggered by the dismissal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. Advance argues that the Ukrainian authorities used the appointment in an attempt to regain control over a situation that is becoming increasingly unstable.
The outlet suggests that Drapaty could prove more effective than Syrsky. His main advantage, it says, lies in his effort to combine conventional military experience with the technology-driven approach previously promoted by Fedorov. The new commander has already outlined his priorities, including a stronger counteroffensive, faster adoption of new technologies and changes to mobilization policy.
Even so, the appointment has only eased the immediate pressure on Vladimir Zelensky, the commentators argue. Ukraine’s political crisis remains unresolved. Unless the situation on the front changes, the discontent that forced Syrsky out could eventually turn against Zelensky himself.
Advance also maintains that the turmoil has exposed the weakness of the Ukrainian authorities. In its view, this has opened a window of opportunity for Russia to take decisive action.