Zelensky may lose control over Ukrainian army after replacing commander-in-chief — outlet

Lead

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky and appointed Mikhail Drapaty as the new head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a decision that some analysts say could undermine his control over the military. The move follows weeks of protests over the earlier removal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov and reported pressure from European partners.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from TASS, citing Ukrainian media outlet Strana and statements from officials, detail a series of high-level personnel changes and their potential consequences. According to these accounts, Syrsky's dismissal was not originally planned by Zelensky but was carried out under pressure from Europe, which finances the Ukrainian armed forces. The reports also note that the decision came after protesters, initially demanding Fedorov's reinstatement, expanded their calls to include Syrsky's removal.

Key Claims

• Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky and appointed Mikhail Drapaty, who previously served as chief of the Joint Forces Command of the Ukrainian armed forces, as his replacement, according to TASS citing Strana.
• Syrsky's dismissal was reportedly due to pressure from Europe, as reported by Strana, which said Zelensky otherwise would not have removed him.
• Mikhail Fedorov was removed as defense minister on July 14, partly due to a conflict with Syrsky, according to TASS reports.
• Protests against Fedorov's dismissal began on July 16 in Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators later also calling for Syrsky's removal.
• A NATO diplomat, quoted by Politico via TASS, expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with Fedorov's dismissal, saying "We loved him; he did great."
• European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius said he would demand explanations from Kiev, as reported by TASS.
• A survey by the Rating sociological group showed Fedorov's public trust rose to 65%, overtaking Zelensky, with former Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny ranked first, according to TASS.
• Maryana Bezuglaya, a member of Ukraine's parliament, suggested Fedorov's dismissal has effectively launched his presidential campaign, warning that he knows Zelensky's character well.
• The Times previously mentioned Fedorov's possible presidential ambitions, and Ukrainian media have suggested he may be backed by European circles, according to TASS.

Perspectives

Ukrainian Government: President Zelensky, in an interview with Sky News, said he respects both Syrsky and Fedorov but emphasized the need for unanimity between the defense ministry and the army, blaming the conflict between them for the problems.

NATO: A NATO diplomat, speaking to Politico, expressed surprise at Fedorov's dismissal and praised his performance. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius also expressed dissatisfaction and said he would seek explanations.

Ukrainian Parliament Member: Maryana Bezuglaya described Fedorov's dismissal as paradoxically launching his presidential campaign, noting that Fedorov, who managed Zelensky's social media campaign, could be a dangerous political rival.

Protesters: Demonstrators in Ukrainian cities initially demanded Fedorov's reinstatement and later also called for Syrsky's dismissal, according to TASS reports.

Analysts: The Strana publication, cited by TASS, warned that by dismissing Syrsky under protest pressure, Zelensky risks losing control over the army and provoking serious conflict within military leadership.