Zelenskyy may sack Syrsky: who is being tipped as his successor
The Guardian reports on possible personnel changes.
What the publication reported
According to The Guardian, Oleksandr Syrskyi may step down as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the near future. The publication’s source within military circles claims that a decision regarding his future role has allegedly already been made, though the question of his successor has not yet been finalised.
The source told journalists that the new Commander-in-Chief should be well-known within the military and among the public, have combat experience, listen to the President and not display any overt political ambitions.
The President’s Office has not confirmed this information. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also not announced any intention to dismiss Syrskyi.
Who is being mentioned as a possible successor to Syrskyi
The Guardian names Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as one of the possible candidates. The President met with him on 20 July to discuss how to utilise the expertise of the various components of the Defence Forces.
On the same day, Zelenskyy held separate meetings with the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Volodymyr Horbatyuk, the commanders of the army corps, Andriy Biletsky, Ihor Obolensky and Denys Prokopenko, as well as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleg Apostol.
Reuters notes that Ukrainian political analysts view the participants in these meetings as potential candidates for senior military posts. At the same time, the president did not officially describe the talks as a selection process for a new Commander-in-Chief.
According to LIGA.net, a total of 11 candidates may be under consideration. The publication names Mykhailo Drapaty, Andriy Biletsky, Oleg Apostol and Ihor Obolensky among the likely contenders. This information has not been officially confirmed either.
Statement from the General Staff
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has denied reports that a decision to dismiss Syrskyi had already been taken.
The General Staff’s statement notes that Oleksandr Syrskyi continues to perform the duties of Commander-in-Chief, whilst Andriy Hnatov remains Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The General Staff emphasised that the dismissal of these officials is possible only on the basis of a corresponding presidential decree. As of the time of publication, no such document has been issued.
Why were there calls in Kyiv for Syrskyi’s resignation?
Reports of possible personnel changes emerged following several days of protests outside the President’s Office. Protesters demanded Syrskyi’s dismissal and the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence.
The protesters linked Fedorov’s resignation to his alleged disagreements with the Commander-in-Chief and the General Staff. This version of events has not been officially confirmed.
The Head of the President’s Office, Kirill Budanov, stated that the authorities had heeded public opinion and were resolving the situation professionally and constructively. He did not specify any particular personnel decisions.
How Syrskyi commented on reports of the conflict
Oleksandr Syrskyi said he was surprised by the reports of a conflict with Mykhailo Fedorov. According to him, they had held working discussions on complex issues, during which differing views might have arisen.
The Commander-in-Chief also apologised if his bluntness had offended anyone. Syrskyi emphasised that his main tasks remain directing combat operations, planning military strategy and safeguarding the lives of service personnel.
What Zelenskyy officially discussed with the commanders
During his meetings with military officials, the President discussed the situation on the front line, defence strategy, arms supplies, the development of unmanned systems and preparations for prisoner exchanges.
Separately, Zelenskyy held a special meeting of the General Staff attended by corps commanders, government officials and arms manufacturers. The discussions centred on supplying units with drones, ammunition and equipment, securing additional funding, addressing shortcomings in weaponry and strengthening air defence.
No official statements regarding the consideration of Syrskyi’s resignation following these meetings have been released.
Follow us on Telegram!
