Zelenskyy weighs firing top commander, FT reports

2026-07-18

FT reports dismissal under review

The Financial Times reported on the 18th that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose country is under Russian invasion, is considering dismissing Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi. The newspaper cited a senior government official.

Protests spread in Kyiv

Several thousand supporters of former Defence Minister Fedorov, who fell out with Syrskyi and was removed from office, held a protest in the capital Kyiv on the 17th calling for Syrskyi's dismissal. The protests began on the 16th and are also planned for the 18th.

Concerns over wartime appointments

If the dismissal goes ahead, it would be an unusual development in wartime, with the defence minister and the military top brass being replaced in quick succession. Some say an impact on strategy against Russia would be unavoidable.

Supporters defend former minister

Alexander Gorogovskiy, 45, a member of a unit under the Interior Ministry deployed in northern Ukraine who joined the demonstration while on leave, said Fedorov had 'transformed Ukraine' by actively deploying drones in combat and reducing troop losses. He also cited an improvement in the battlefield situation and said there was no reason for dismissal.

Photographer Oriha Koreshkova, 34, said her father, who is on the front line, had thanked Fedorov for reducing bureaucratic procedures through his policies, and said, 'Bring the most capable minister back as defence minister.'

Lyudmila Nebozhak, 36, an IT company employee and wife of a soldier who has been serving since the first day of the Russian invasion, said Fedorov had broad public support and was removed because Zelenskyy feared he was becoming a political rival after trying to push through demobilisation. She said, 'Ukraine should put victory before political ambition.'

Lyubomyr Kovalchuk, 32, a delivery worker, said he believed Fedorov's push to tackle military corruption drew backlash from the conservative Syrskyi. He said, 'Zelenskyy should listen to the people and reverse the personnel change.'

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