The unrest exposed deep divisions within Ukraine’s military establishment and reflected growing support for commanders who regard drones, innovation and technological superiority as central to the country’s war effort.
Zelensky dismissed Fedorov last week after only six months as defense minister. He had overseen efforts to expand Ukraine’s use of drones and military technology but had clashed with Syrskyi over the direction of the war.
Critics accused Zelensky of siding with Syrskyi in the dispute, while demonstrators demanded Fedorov’s reinstatement and the commander-in-chief’s removal.
Drapatyi’s promotion was welcomed by Fedorov and by several prominent figures involved in the demonstrations.
“This is a breath of fresh air and a new source of hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice. It is the voice of change that could no longer be ignored”, Fedorov said on X.
Battlefield Momentum at Stake
“The operations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily. Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions and our program of middle-range strikes will be carried out with absolute precision”, Zelensky said as he introduced Drapatyi.
The shake-up came as Kyiv sought to gain the upper hand through large-scale strikes on Russia’s energy sector – its main source of budget revenue – and logistics network.
Fedorov’s removal had prompted concern among military analysts that Ukraine could lose its recent battlefield momentum.
“I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today”, Drapatyi said on Facebook.
Syrskyi played a central role in the defense of Kyiv during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He later came under fierce criticism over what opponents described as a rigid, Soviet-style command culture and tactics that some service members said had caused unjustifiably high losses.
Opposition to his leadership had surfaced periodically, but last week’s government reshuffle brought the divisions within the military establishment into the open and revived questions over whether Ukraine could prevail under his command.
Zelensky did not announce a new role for Syrskyi but said he had discussed the four-star general’s future service with him.
Fedorov’s future also remains unclear. Zelensky said he had offered the former minister a “decent post” overseeing the technological component of the state.
A source close to Fedorov previously told Reuters that he had discussed “other roles” with Zelensky but was prepared to return only as defense minister.
Last week, Zelensky appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s domestic security service, as acting defense minister.
“We all want the same thing: to defeat the enemy and create the conditions – on the front line and through pressure on Russia – that would allow us to force Russia into peace”, Zelensky said.
Young Ukrainians Take to the Streets
On Monday, Zelensky met several of Ukraine’s most prominent military commanders in an effort to address mounting discontent with the country’s defense leadership.
Thousands of people had taken to the streets in Kyiv and other cities for several consecutive days, defying martial law to protest against Fedorov’s dismissal and demand Syrskyi’s removal.
Led largely by young people, the demonstrations were the biggest in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelensky met five generals and one colonel regarded by political analysts as possible successors to Syrskyi. The talks focused on the situation along more than 1,200 kilometers of the front line.
Those present included Drapatyi, then commander of the Joint Forces, and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatyuk. Both belong to a younger cohort of officers whose careers were forged in combat against Russian troops.
Zelensky also met Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol and the commanders of three army corps – Andriy Biletsky, Ihor Obolenskyi and Denys Prokopenko.
Following the demonstrations, Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, called for unity and restraint and promised a constructive response.
“The public’s views have been heard”, he said. “Work is underway. Results will follow”.
A poll by the research company Gradus found that 61% of Ukrainians opposed Fedorov’s dismissal.
Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and one of the protest organizers, had called for a “general, indefinite protest” unless Syrskyi was removed and Fedorov reinstated as defense minister by 24 July.
After Drapatyi’s appointment was announced on his birthday, Koziatynskyi described the decision as a “gift”.
(Reuters, im)
