Zelensky sacks defense chief amid military command rift
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for unity within the country's military and political leadership following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The decision came after an open conflict between Fedorov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrsky.
Zelensky acknowledged that the two leaders failed to overcome their differences, justifying the cabinet reshuffle. He stated that a wartime president should not have to choose between key figures, emphasizing his desire for cohesion within the leadership.
Public protests and criticism have emerged in several cities following the removal of the popular 35-year-old minister. Zelensky added that a replacement has not yet been finalized, though Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is among the candidates considered.
Internal rift and military reactions
Defending his record on Thursday, General Oleksandr Syrsky called on the leadership to focus on the war and a strategy that delivers tangible results. On Telegram, Syrsky thanked Fedorov for his service despite their public fallout.
During a press conference, the outgoing defense minister criticized General Syrsky, accusing him of dividing the country. Fedorov cited an authoritarian Soviet-era mindset resistant to reform, forced conscription practices, and a failure to adapt to drone warfare.
In a rare public intervention for a senior officer, Joint Forces Commander General Mykhailo Drapatyi praised Fedorov's reforms on Facebook, thanking the ministry team for tackling systemic issues and calling for Fedorov to remain in office.
International perspective
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated he does not expect personnel changes in Kyiv to alter Ukraine's overall war strategy.
Rutte noted that current operations remain effective, pointing to slowed Russian advances, localized Ukrainian counterattacks, and ongoing deep strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
