Zelenskyy sacks Syrskii: How many generals have Ukraine, Russia fired?

What Happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed military chief Oleksandr Syrskii on 1 April 2025 and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the military, according to the article. The removal occurred after six days of protests in Kyiv sparked by the ouster of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had clashed with Syrskii and was removed the previous week. Zelenskyy stated the change aimed to address friction within military leadership and reset the defence against Russia's invasion. The article also recounts previous Ukrainian and Russian general firings over the four-year war, including the 2024 dismissal of Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Russia's removal of Sergey Surovikin in 2023.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The leadership change at the top of Ukraine's military could shift strategic direction and morale at a critical stage of the war. It reflects internal political tensions over defence management and mobilisation policy, potentially affecting coordination with Western partners.

Watch For

Whether Drapatyi's appointment stabilises command structures and unifies the military effort. Monitor for any public reaction from the armed forces, changes in frontline tactics, and potential Russian exploitation of perceived disarray. Also watch for further removals or protests in Kyiv.