Photo: facebook.com zelenskyy.official
President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering dismissing Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, with Joint Forces Commander Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi emerging as the leading candidate to replace him, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the possibility of replacing Syrskyi is being discussed amid pressure from large-scale protests that have called for the military leader's resignation.
One source told Bloomberg that Zelensky is likely to choose Drapatyi as Syrskyi's successor and that the commander-in-chief could be removed within days. However, another source said no final decision has been made and that the list of potential candidates includes 11 people.
Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn declined to comment on the report but told journalists that Syrskyi was unlikely to be dismissed on Monday.
Ukraine's General Staff also said in a Facebook statement on July 20 that Syrskyi remains in his post and continues to perform his duties.
Zelensky said he had met with Drapatyi on Monday but did not mention any plans to replace the commander-in-chief.
Speculation about Syrskyi's future intensified after the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered protests across Ukraine. Demonstrators praised Fedorov's performance, particularly in areas such as drone development, robotic systems and long-range strikes against Russian targets.
Zelensky has acknowledged that Syrskyi and Fedorov had disagreements over military matters, including defense procurement, although both men have publicly denied having a personal conflict.
Bloomberg reported that discussions about the military leadership remain ongoing and that no official decision has yet been announced.
