In brief
Following President Zelensky's dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Kyiv's streets have erupted in protests demanding the removal of Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi. Soldiers and civilians alike have taken to the square, chanting slogans like "Hands off Syrskyi" and "Keep Fedorov". The generals are poised to replace Syrskyi with a younger commander, but opposition insists the war’s success hinges on Fedorov’s modern reforms. The situation remains tense as the army guards the line against possible Russian escalation.
In Kyiv, protesters have gathered in the square near the presidential palace, demanding the dismissal of Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi after President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov a week earlier.
"If, by Friday July 24th, Syrskyi is not dismissed and Fedorov not named again, we will begin an open‑ended nationwide protest," one veteran posted online. The demonstration has so far been limited to the weekend but the threat underlines growing frustration.
Throughout the weekend, rumours circulated about a possible sacking of Syrskyi, which the General Staff denied. The commander’s opponents portray him as a vestige of Soviet‑era doctrine, while many applaud Fedorov’s innovations that have boosted Ukraine’s war‑effort.
Meanwhile, former head of military intelligence Kyrylo Budanov urged calm, warning that internal strife could be exploited by the enemy. The brief says the army “must remain united” as they face a potential Russian summer offensive.
In an op‑ed, Syrskyi defended his record, apologising for any misunderstanding with Fedorov and noting that the real battles are fought through logistics and strategy, not cardboard slogans.
Protests have fallen silent for now, but the army is casting a wide net on potential replacements. Options include commanders of the Joint Forces, the Third Army Corps and the Airborne Assault Forces – all younger than Syrskyi. The next appointment could signal a sharper shift toward modern tactics and technology.
With Russia poised to resume attacks on energy infrastructure, President Zelensky says the country must be “as strong as possible” by August, leaving the nation closely monitoring the upcoming decision about its military leadership.
