Volodymyr Zelensky thanks "every one of our soldiers" in address after dismissing top general

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed his top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and named General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander of the armed forces, while also offering a high-level government post to former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal last week had triggered large protests in Kyiv and other cities. In a televised address explaining the leadership shake-up, Zelensky acknowledged Syrskyi’s role in defending Kyiv and the 2024 incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, and expressed gratitude toward the troops fighting on the front lines. The reshuffle appears aimed at quelling public anger and meeting protesters’ demands, with Fedorov welcoming Drapatyi’s appointment as a sign of change. The move comes as Ukraine continues to face mobilization challenges and seeks to update its military strategy.