Ukrainians have mixed feelings about the latest military leadership changes in their country as the conflict with Russia enters its fifth year. While some have welcomed the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty as the new army chief, attention remains on the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. His sudden dismissal led to the largest protests related to the war since 2022. Many people continue to push for his return.
In response to the widespread public criticism, President Volodymyr Zelensky decided to replace Oleksandr Syrsky as army chief. Syrsky was both admired and controversial: he had a track record of military success, including helping defend Kyiv in 2022. But he also faced criticism for reportedly high casualties. A 22-year-old soldier known as Khrest said Syrsky's removal was a "good thing," but emphasized his hope that Fedorov would come back.
Fedorov's reforms and Syrsky's controversies
Fedorov pushed for the use of fixed-term contracts in the military, something many soldiers wanted. He also focused on using technology like drones to reduce combat-related deaths. A 30-year-old soldier nicknamed "Ananas" praised Syrsky's military victories but accused him of being insensitive to the human cost. Ananas said Syrsky "threw a lot of people into the meat grinder at the start of the war." Syrsky was also linked to a scandal over alleged violence against new recruits in the Skelia assault unit. Syrsky called the accusations "shameful" and said actions had been taken against those involved.
Civil society and soldier morale
Civilian support for the removal of Syrsky has also been strong. Svitlana, a 48-year-old nurse in an airborne unit, praised Drapaty for being a "respected combat officer" and a positive presence. She credited civil society for driving the change. She said, "While we are here defending rights, people went out and defended theirs." Svitlana also acknowledged the value of Fedorov's efforts in digitalisation but warned against viewing him as perfect. She noted that military pay had been dropping, and that affected soldiers' families.
Calls for top-level changes
Many believe that Drapaty's appointment and Syrsky's removal are not enough. Some argue that real change can only happen if Fedorov is reinstated or if there are changes at the highest level of government. Oleg, a 69-year-old man in Kyiv, said Zelensky tried to shift focus by removing Fedorov and that the public's demands had not yet been met. Taisiia Obod, a 21-year-old political science student, also hopes Fedorov can return to government and that his efforts for reforms will continue.
Public opinion remains divided. While Drapaty's leadership is seen as a step in the right direction, the removal of Syrsky has not completely satisfied those who supported Fedorov. The protests show that Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are still pushing for leaders who can implement meaningful reforms and better protect those serving in the military.
Fedorov's focus on using drones to reduce combat deaths and improve soldier conditions has earned him significant support. His digitalisation efforts were also key in modernising Ukraine's military operations. However, his sudden removal raised concerns that these initiatives could be reversed. The debate highlights the broader tensions in how Ukraine should manage its military and political leadership during the ongoing war.
Syrsky's legacy is more complex. He played a crucial role in the 2022 counter-offensives, but his approach has drawn criticism for the high number of casualties. While some soldiers and citizens appreciate his leadership, others feel he failed to protect troops adequately. The Skelia scandal has also added to the controversy. Syrsky's departure marks a significant shift in military leadership.
Svitlana's remarks reflect a growing belief that civil society can drive change. She stressed the importance of people standing up for their rights and supporting one another. This idea has gained traction as protests have shown that public voices can influence decisions. Still, some remain skeptical about whether new leaders can bring real change.
For many, the debate is not just about leadership but about the future direction of Ukraine's military and political strategy. Fedorov's reforms, Syrsky's controversies, and Drapaty's new role all point to the challenges of balancing military effectiveness with the well-being of soldiers. As the war continues, public support and pressure remain key factors in shaping Ukraine's path forward.