Zelensky fires Ukraine military chief and names replacement after mass protests

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday fired Gen.Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces and named his replacement, following days of mass protests in Kyiv, the country’s capital, and other cities across the nation demanding his removal.It was the second major change Zelensky has made under street pressure, after protests last summer forced him to undo a law weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs.Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief, according to a statement on social media.

“Our shared wish is one — victory over the enemy and conditions at the front and in pressure on Russia that would force Russia toward peace,” Zelensky said.The Ukrainian leader said he made the decision after a series of meetings with military commanders.They began shortly after protests broke out demanding the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, seen by demonstrators as a driver of military modernization, and the removal of Syrskyi, who they said embodied the army’s old, Soviet-style command culture.Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his achievements in Ukraine’s fight against Russia and praised him for the defense of Kyiv and for operations in Kharkiv and Kursk.“I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine’s strong front-line positions,” he said.

“I am grateful to Mykhailo Drapatyi for holding that same view.”Drapatyi wrote in a Facebook post that serving Ukraine “has always been an honor for me, and during this war for independence, it means absolute responsibility.” He thanked Syrskyi for his consistent work strengthening the Ukrainian military.“I grew up in it,” he added, referring to the army.“I will work responsibly, with focus and with respect for the people defending our state today.”Zelensky said Drapatyi and other commanders must present an updated defense strategy, including continued reform of the corps system, faster weapons and...