Ukraine's commander-in-chief has been sacked after days of protests over the removal of a popular defence minister. General Oleksandr Syrskyi will be replaced by commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi.
Protests over defence minister's dismissal
The country's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said a week ago that he had been removed from the post, amid disagreements with commander-in-chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, sparking widespread public protests in support of the 35-year-old minister.
The following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the protests and said he was confident Fedorov would remain on his team.
Zelensky offers Fedorov new role
On Tuesday, July 21, the Ukrainian leader offered Fedorov a "prominent position in government that would allow him to unify the technical component of our state and ensure its development", but it is not yet clear whether Fedorov has accepted the offer.
Fedorov, known for his approaches to technology and recruitment, spent six months as defence minister. His tenure coincided with Ukraine's military success and his removal from office caused major public outcry.
Society heard
On Monday, Zelensky met with several top generals and his chief of staff issued statements that "the position of society has been heard."
On the same day, Syrskyi wrote an opinion piece for local military media where he apologised if he had offended Fedorov.
New commander appointed
Drapatyi is well known for a viral 2014 video in which he drove an armoured infantry fighting vehicle through a separatist barricade in Mariupol.
Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on his appointment in a post on Telegram. "This is a new wind and a new hope in the struggle of free people for freedom and justice," he said. Fedorov also called Syrskyi and thanked him for his efforts defending Ukraine.
