Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed his army chief Oleksandr Syrsky, according to a decree published on the presidential website on July 22, 2026. The decision follows days of protests triggered by the removal of a popular, young, and tech-savvy defence minister, whose identity has not been officially confirmed.
The dismissal comes amid a political crisis in Ukraine, with tensions rising over military leadership and the direction of the war effort. Syrsky, who was appointed in February 2024, had faced criticism for his handling of recent military operations.
Zelensky announced the appointment of a new army chief, but details about the successor have not been disclosed. The move is seen as an attempt to stabilize the government and address public discontent.
Protests have erupted in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators demanding accountability and a change in military strategy. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring the developments.
