Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, just days after the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered street protests across the nation. Syrskyi has been replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi.

Initial rumors that Fedorov's departure was linked to a conflict with Syrskyi were soon confirmed. Fedorov, 35, had been widely praised for energizing the ministry, transforming the armed forces, and leading an anti-corruption drive.

Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many in Ukraine as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army. In a social media post late Tuesday, Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his role in successfully defending Kyiv during the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and other military campaigns.

"All decisions will be formalized tomorrow," Zelensky wrote. Drapatyi, the now former commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces, is a popular, battle-hardened general.

The dismissals signal a major shake-up in Ukraine's military leadership amid ongoing war with Russia and internal political pressures.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk