Public outcry leads to replacement of commander-in-chief Syrskyi

Описание: The mass protests in Kyiv, which began on July 15 after President Volodymyr Zelensky ousted Ukraine’s popular, reform-minded Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, had turned into a call to replace Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief.

As details surrounding Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal emerged, many of the protesters urged the president to replace Oleksandr Syrskyi with Joint Forces chief Mykhailo Drapatyi. On the evening of July 21, he did just that.

Drapatyi thanked Zelensky for entrusting him with the role, calling it a new stage of service and pledging to lead with responsibility.

“Serving Ukraine has always been an honor for me, and during the war for independence it means absolute responsibility,” Drapatyi said in a Facebook post following the announcement.

“I will work responsibly, with focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our state today.”

Video: Social media; The Kyiv Independent; Presidential office / AP