Zelenskyy Replaces Military Chief Amid Protests

KYIV, UKRAINE — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces on Saturday. The decision followed several days of public protests demanding Syrskyi's removal from the post.

Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief. The change in military leadership occurred after activists in Kyiv held a rally, carrying a portrait of Syrskyi and expressing calls for his resignation. These protests also addressed Zelenskyy's previous dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov six months prior.