Zelenski weighs replacing army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi as protesters set Friday deadline

Protests erupt after defence minister's dismissal

Daily protests have swept through Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities since 16 July, triggered by President Volodymyr Zelenski's decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Thousands have gathered in the capital, with smaller rallies held elsewhere. Fedorov, one of the country's youngest and most popular senior officials, served only six months but was widely seen as a reformer.

Organisers have now crystallised two demands: Fedorov's reinstatement as defence minister and the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi, one of the protest organisers, told the Kyiv Independent that the movement has set a Friday deadline for the demands to be met.

We have actually set the Friday deadline for our demands to be fulfilled. Today's event is not a protest, it is an action focused on our demands. Then there will be a three-day pause, until Friday. And if our demand is met by Friday, we will stop.

Zelenski's shortlist and the Drapatyi option

Zelenski has not yet made a final decision on Syrskyi's future, but two sources familiar with the situation told Bloomberg that a move could come within days. One source said the president is choosing from a list of 11 potential candidates. A second source indicated that Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is the most likely replacement.

Presidential adviser Dmytro Litvin declined to comment. Zelenski confirmed on his X account that he met with Drapatyi on Monday, 20 July, but did not mention any plans to replace the commander-in-chief.

The Fedorov-Syrskyi rift

Tensions between Fedorov and Syrskyi had reached a deadlock before the dismissal. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking military reforms and forcing his removal from the defence ministry. The Presidential Administration in Kyiv acknowledged that the relationship between the two had deteriorated and that they were no longer communicating.

The conflict reflects two opposing military doctrines. Fedorov, strongly backed by Western partners and NATO officials for his transparent reforms, championed asymmetric warfare built on digitisation, automation and the mass use of drones. Syrskyi, trained in the Soviet military tradition, remains committed to a conventional approach centred on artillery duels and large-scale infantry assaults.

Fedorov offered alternative role

Fedorov has been offered a different position focused on military technology and overseeing the ministry's modernisation process. However, two people familiar with the discussions said he is willing to return only as defence minister.

For Fedorov it is important to continue all the projects he started.

What happens next

After Monday's protest, organisers plan to suspend demonstrations for three days, effectively giving Zelenski until Friday to act. A person familiar with the situation told the Kyiv Independent that a decision on Syrskyi's dismissal is expected soon, possibly within days. The standoff marks the most serious crisis in Ukraine's military leadership under Zelenski's presidency.