Zelensky Replaces Ukraine Army Chief Amid Military Leadership Changes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Oleksandr Syrsky, who served as the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces.

The Ukrainian government announced that Mykola Trapati has been appointed as the new army commander, replacing Syrsky.

The leadership change comes amid ongoing protests in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, which have continued for six days following the earlier dismissal of Defence Minister Fedorov.

Reports indicate that the sudden military reshuffle was carried out against this backdrop. President Zelensky said the decision was aimed at addressing long-standing recruitment challenges and resolving disagreements within the military leadership during the ongoing Russian invasion.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has reported a significant increase in civilian casualties linked to the Ukraine-Russia war this year. According to the report, 1,396 civilians were killed during the first six months of 2026.