Ukrainians Welcome New Army Chief but Seek Return of Fired Defence Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked army chief Oleksandr Syrsky on Tuesday and replaced him with Mykhailo Drapaty in a move seen as an attempt to placate growing public discontent. The decision followed thousands of Ukrainians taking to the streets to protest Syrsky’s handling of the war effort.

While the appointment of a new military leader may have brought some relief to soldiers and civilians, many are still holding out hope that former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov will be reinstated. Protests against Syrsky’s removal highlighted the growing disillusionment among Ukrainians with their government’s handling of the war.

Syrsky’s tenure as army chief was marked by both successes and failures. Despite his military victories in 2022, including the defense of Kyiv and the counter-offensive in Kharkiv, his handling of the war effort has been widely criticized. Soldiers felt he had sacrificed too much in terms of lives lost and resources wasted.

Fedorov’s efforts to introduce fixed-term contracts and ensure soldiers get some rest were praised by many. His digitalisation initiatives were also appreciated, but his removal has left many feeling uncertain about their future. The fact that Drapaty is seen as a respected “combat officer” may have contributed to his appointment, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to address the deep-seated issues within the Ukrainian military.

The protests that led to Syrsky’s removal also highlighted the role of civil society in shaping Ukraine’s war effort. Civilians felt empowered enough to take to the streets and demand change, suggesting a level of engagement and activism unprecedented in Ukrainian history.

Zelensky’s gamble in removing Syrsky has not yet paid off. The discontent among soldiers and civilians remains, and it will take more than just a change of leadership to address the deep-seated issues within Ukraine’s military. Drapaty’s appointment is just the beginning of a longer process – he will need to bring stability and effectiveness to the military.

Fedorov’s supporters continue to push for his reinstatement, but it remains to be seen whether Zelensky will ultimately give in to their demands. The future of Ukraine’s war effort remains uncertain, with many wondering whether Drapaty will be able to succeed where Syrsky failed or if he will struggle to make up for lost time.

Ultimately, the discontent among soldiers and civilians will only be addressed by real changes on the ground – not just a change in leadership. The question is: can Drapaty deliver?