Zelensky dismisses defence minister Fedorov, then names Drapaty to replace commander-in-chief Syrskyi amid protests

Confirmedon two or more distinct origins, at least one tied to no party: 2 distinct origins, 2 tied to no party.

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister on 15 July, citing a rift between the ministry and the military leadership and problems with mobilisation, the Kyiv Independent reported. Thousands of people protested across Ukraine in support of Fedorov, the Kyiv Post reported, and on 21 July Zelensky announced that Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapaty would replace Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief, saying the change was tied to restructuring the General Staff. Fedorov had said he pushed for Syrskyi's removal over blocked reforms. Fedorov had held the post for about six months, the Kyiv Post noted.

Sources

1. Evidence Kyiv Independent Media · Unaffiliated origin: Kyiv Independent reporting with lawmakers and Fedorov's own post · published 2026-07-15 00:00 UTC
2. Corroboration Kyiv Post Media · Unaffiliated origin: Zelensky's announcement and Kyiv Post reporting on protests · published 2026-07-21 00:00 UTC

History

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The War Record, "Zelensky dismisses defence minister Fedorov, then names Drapaty to replace commander-in-chief Syrskyi amid protests", ev-20261027-xmq3, revision 1, https://thewarrecord.com/events/ev-20261027-xmq3/

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