Row escalates in Ukraine over army chief's future
BBC News 2026-07-21 18:49:19
Context: Protests have erupted in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, over the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the potential dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, with thousands taking to the streets and demanding Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrskyi's ousting. The controversy has sparked a national debate over Ukraine's military strategy and the role of its top leaders, with many Ukrainians, especially younger ones, supporting Fedorov's innovative approach to modernizing the military. President Volodymyr Zelensky is under pressure to resolve the crisis, with anxious Ukrainians waiting for a resolution.
Key Facts
- Protesters in Ukraine have threatened nationwide demonstrations if Mykhailo Fedorov is not reinstated as defence minister, with army veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi stating that an open-ended nationwide protest will begin if Syrskyi is not dismissed by Friday and Fedorov reinstated.
- Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, has published a long defence of his record, urging readers not to focus on his widely-reported rivalry with Fedorov, and stating that he perceived their relationship as a working one.
- Kyrylo Budanov, head of the president's office, has urged Ukrainians to remain calm, stating that the government is taking note of the protests and that "the position of society has been heard".
- Fedorov's six months at the helm in the defence ministry have coincided with a string of military successes, with many Ukrainians, including 44-year-old law company employee Tetiana Makarenko, crediting him with driving innovation in the military and improving Ukraine's chances of beating back its numerically superior enemy.
- Potential candidates to replace Syrskyi include Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of the Joint Forces, Andriy Bilekskyi, commander of the Third Army Corps, Oleh Apostol, commander of the Airborne Assault Forces, Ihor Obolenskyi, commander of the National Guard Corps, and Brig Gen Denys Prokopenko, commander of the "Azov" Regiment.