Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 21 announced that the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapatyi. He will replace Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the official appointment will take place on July 22.
How foreign media reacted to the personnel change – in the article by Vedomosti.
The New York Times
"The dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrskyi was a major step backward for Zelenskyy, who just days earlier had supported him and fired Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelenskyy said he was replacing General Syrskyi with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. This choice likely pleased the protesters, as Mr. Drapatyi publicly supported Mr. Fedorov in his conflict with General Syrskyi over combat strategy.
Thousands of people joined mass demonstrations to force Zelenskyy to change course and confirm Fedorov's correctness that the conflict would be increasingly dominated by drones and robots. The 35-year-old Fedorov, who advocates for army reform with a focus on high-tech innovation, has become a symbol of hope for many Ukrainians, especially the youth."
Reuters
"The 43-year-old Drapatyi replaced 60-year-old General Oleksandr Syrskyi, whom Zelenskyy dismissed after several days of street protests. Drapatyi, the commander of joint forces responsible for Ukraine's defense in the northeastern direction, is described by his colleagues as a new-generation general whose career was forged in battles against Russian forces. Over 26 years of service, he rose from a tank forces lieutenant to one of Ukraine's most effective combat commanders. Last week, in a rare public post, he said the Ukrainian army needs changes and new rules."
Der Spiegel
"This decision [to replace the commander-in-chief] followed days of protests in Ukraine. Thousands of people took to the streets in Kyiv and other cities against the dismissal of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and also demanded Syrskyi's resignation. Between Fedorov and the acting army commander since 2024, an open dispute had recently emerged over the strategic direction of the conflict. Zelenskyy initially supported Syrskyi but now emphasized that he held detailed talks with both of them. The president thanked the outgoing general for his military service."
The Guardian
"Ukraine will continue to strike medium- and long-range targets in Russia under the leadership of new commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday. ... 'The operations of the Ukrainian defense forces are ongoing and must be conducted steadily,' the Ukrainian president said. 'The Ukrainian plan of long-range sanctions and our medium-range strike program will be implemented with absolute precision.'"
Le Figaro
"Beyond personalities, this crisis pits two approaches to the conflict: supporters of deep modernization and defenders of a more traditional approach. The appointment of Drapatyi, who highly praised Fedorov's efforts to introduce technological innovations in the army, will undoubtedly give new impetus to modernization."
Al Jazeera
"Zelenskyy said the decision to appoint Drapatyi was made to 'reset' the ongoing defense against Russian forces. It is unclear whether these changes will calm the demonstrators who demand accountability and a more effective military strategy. Many criticize Syrskyi and Zelenskyy for how they are conducting combat operations amid growing Ukrainian losses."
Photo gallery: 'Cardboard protest': how Ukrainians rally against the defense minister's dismissal
