Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed Oleksandr Shirskiy as the supreme military commander and appointed Mykhailo Drapati in his place, following six days of protests in Kyiv that erupted after Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was removed. Zelenskiy emphasized the need to “reset” Ukraine’s defense strategy against Russia and expressed gratitude for the contributions of both Shirskiy and Drapati.
Fedorov, a key figure in Ukraine’s war effort, had openly criticized Shirskiy for obstructing military reforms and advocating for increased reliance on drone technology. Following his dismissal, Fedorov was offered a respected position by Zelenskiy to enhance the tech sector but it remains unclear if he accepted.
The leadership changes have not quelled protests demanding accountability and a more effective military response, as Ukrainian casualties continue to rise, with the UN reporting significant increases in civilian deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, Russia dismissed the impact of Ukraine’s new military leadership, stating that the situation on the front lines would remain unchanged.
Drapati, the new military leader, is recognized for his disciplined command and previous successes against Russian forces in the ongoing conflict that began with a full-scale invasion in February 2022. He had previously stepped down in 2025 after a tragic incident involving a Russian attack on a training center.
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