The stormy protests in Kyiv's centre of power are set to claim a high-profile casualty: Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief. As thousands take to the streets demanding his dismissal, sources close to the government confirm that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is poised to make significant changes at the top.
The demonstrations have been fuelled by President Zelenskyy's decision last Thursday to sack Defence Minister Mykhailo Federov, a 35-year-old moderniser who had earned a reputation for revitalising Ukraine's military in just six months. Federov's ousting sparked widespread outrage among the public and the armed forces, with many questioning the motivations behind Zelenskyy's decision.
Despite initial denials from the general staff on Monday, influential figures within the government have hinted at a wider shake-up. Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov acknowledged that "the position of society has been heard" and assured that the situation was being managed "professionally and constructively". He urged calm, cautioning that Ukraine's adversaries were closely monitoring internal developments.
The strained relationship between Federov and Syrskyi appears to have played a significant role in the crisis. Federov publicly accused Syrskyi of hindering reforms and ignoring crucial data, favouring instead brigades loyal to him personally. This breakdown in trust has created an unstable situation within Ukraine's military leadership.
According to sources, discussions are now focused on finding a suitable replacement for Syrskyi, with the new commander-in-chief expected to be a well-respected and popular figure, yet one without overt political ambitions. President Zelenskyy has reportedly met with several senior commanders, including Mykhailo Drapatiy, head of Ukraine's joint armed forces, who gained prominence during the 2014 conflict in Mariupol.
Protest organisers have set a deadline of Friday for President Zelenskyy to reinstate Federov as Defence Minister, warning of "general indefinite protest" across the country if their demand is not met. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has praised successful Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets, reiterating his commitment to increasing pressure on Russia to end the conflict.