Zelenskyy Replaces Ukraine's Military Commander Amid Protests

KYIV, UKRAINE — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday removed General Valerii Zaluzhnyi from his position as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces. General Oleksandr Syrskyi now assumes the leadership role.

The presidential action followed days of protests across Ukraine. Demonstrations in Kyiv, the capital, and other cities called for Zaluzhnyi's dismissal.

Zaluzhnyi had held the commander-in-chief position since July 2021. He oversaw Ukraine's military operations during the full-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022.

General Syrskyi previously commanded Ukraine's ground forces. He played a key role in the defense of Kyiv in early 2022 and led the counteroffensive in Kharkiv region later that year.

President Zelenskyy announced the change in a statement released Tuesday evening. The decision marks a significant leadership transition within Ukraine's military command.