Ukraine set to announce Syrsky’s dismissal as military chief today, journalist says

On July 20, Ukraine is set to officially announce the dismissal of Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, according to Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Glagola.

Glagola said on Telegram that his information came from sources within President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.

“Today, an official announcement will be made regarding the dismissal of Oleksandr Syrsky from the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he wrote.

Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in cities across the country on July 19, calling for the return of Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and the dismissal of Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.

Rallies were held in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro and other major cities, with demonstrators demanding greater accountability from the government and the military leadership. Protesters carried signs criticising decisions made during the war and called for lawmakers to address the crisis.

The demonstrations follow Fedorov’s removal from the defence ministry and reports that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering changes to the military command structure amid growing tensions between Fedorov and Syrsky.

Zelenskyy said he had held talks with both officials and planned consultations with military commanders on Ukraine’s future strategy.

The president stressed that decisions would be made to strengthen the country’s defence and achieve its wartime goals.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev