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politics

Ukraine's Zelenskyy replaces army chief

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 · 3 sources

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired his army chief. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi was removed as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces after mass protests.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces on Tuesday. This decision came after days of mass protests in Kyiv and other cities nationwide demanding his removal. The protests had been calling for Syrskyi's removal from his position. Zelenskyy has named a replacement for the position.

The protests in Kyiv and other cities were a significant factor in Zelenskyy's decision to remove Syrskyi. The removal of Syrskyi is a notable development in Ukraine's ongoing situation.

Go Deeper

Why were there protests in Ukraine?

There were protests in Ukraine demanding the removal of Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces. The protests were held in Kyiv and other cities nationwide.

Who was fired by President Zelenskyy?

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces.

What prompted Zelenskyy's decision?

The decision to fire Syrskyi was prompted by days of mass protests in Kyiv and other cities nationwide demanding his removal.

Has a replacement been named?

Yes, Zelenskyy has named a replacement for the position of commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces.

Where were the protests held?

The protests were held in Kyiv, the country's capital, and other cities nationwide.