Zelensky names 43-year-old reformist Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief after protests force out Syrskyi

Protests and political crisis

The dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in mid-July 2026 triggered mass protests across Ukraine. Thousands gathered in Kyiv and other major cities, demanding his reinstatement and the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov, 35, was seen as a champion of military modernisation, pushing for drone warfare and robotic systems. His conflict with Syrskyi, who represented a more traditional, post-Soviet command style, had reportedly led to his ousting. The protests reflected a broader frustration with the old guard's resistance to reform.

Syrskyi represented a more post-Soviet approach than the younger part of the Ukrainian general staff and political establishment.

Drapatyi: a new generation commander

On 21 July, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At 43, Drapatyi is one of the youngest generals and a veteran of the war since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. He first gained fame that year for a daring raid in Mariupol, where he led a column of four infantry fighting vehicles to break through separatist lines and rescue surrounded policemen. His vehicle rammed a barricade at full speed, a moment that cemented his reputation as a bold and decisive officer.

I think the change is good.... He is a dynamic man who will certainly do a good job, and I hope politicians will not interfere.

Drapatyi is widely regarded as a disciplined reformer who opposes the entrenched Soviet-era culture in the Ukrainian military. He advocates for tactical innovation, drone warfare development, recruitment system reform, and greater accountability among commanders. Analysts have often paired him with Fedorov as an ideal duo to transform the army into a modern, NATO-aligned force.

Drapaty is the best candidate among all the names appearing in the media.

Syrskyi's removal and the post-Soviet divide

Syrskyi's dismissal fulfilled one of the protesters' two main demands. He had overseen several significant victories but was increasingly criticised for a centralised, attritional approach that resulted in heavy casualties. The prolonged defence of Soledar and Bakhmut, and delayed evacuations, were cited as examples of poor decision-making. His conflict with Fedorov centred on strategy: Fedorov argued that the future battlefield would be dominated by robotics and unmanned systems, while Syrskyi insisted that victory would still be decided by ground forces, heavy equipment, and manpower.

He was not liked because he was identified with the post-Soviet command system. There was centralisation of the decision-making process, in which the soldier's life did not count, and positions were defended at all costs, unfortunately at the cost of many lives.

New leadership team

On 22 July, Zelensky announced that Major General Ihor Skybiuk would become the new Chief of the General Staff, replacing Andrii Hnatov. Skybiuk, former commander of the Air Assault Forces, had worked alongside Drapatyi during the 2022 operation to liberate Kherson Oblast. Drapatyi stated on Facebook that the president had set clear tasks: to continue and strengthen offensive actions in all areas, plan new operations in the enemy's rear, develop the army and military technologies, and increase the capabilities of the Armed Forces.

President of Ukraine set clear tasks for us: to continue and strengthen offensive actions in all areas, plan new operations in the enemy's rear, develop the army and military technologies, and increase the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

International reactions and challenges ahead

German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung called the appointment a sign of the strength of Ukrainian democracy, noting that it is not obvious in wartime for a president to listen to the people demanding the dismissal of an experienced and loyal commander. However, it warned against "almost unbridled enthusiasm," describing it as a symptom of a dangerous tendency to treat individuals as saviours. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung argued that the political crisis is not yet overcome; Zelensky must now bring Fedorov back into his team with real responsibilities to fully resolve the tensions. Drapatyi's professional qualifications are not in doubt, but as commander-in-chief he must demonstrate strategic ability and deliver the necessary reforms.