EXPLAINER
A number of Ukrainian and Russian generals have been fired from their militaries over the course of the battle in Ukraine.
Revealed On 22 Jul 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sacked his army chief Oleksandr Syrskii within the newest reshuffle within the nation’s defence equipment after days of protests following the ouster of the defence minister.
Here’s a nearer have a look at what occurred within the newest occasion, alongside all the highest shakeups in Ukraine and Russia over their four-year battle.
Who was Oleksandr Syrskii?
Syrskii, 60, was born in Soviet Russia, in July 1965 and studied at a Crimson Military academy in Moscow.
Within the Eighties, he was deployed to Ukraine, then a part of the Soviet Union. After this, he remained in Ukraine and studied on the Nationwide Defence College of Ukraine in Kyiv, becoming a member of the ranks of the newly unbiased Ukrainian military.
In 2014, he commanded Ukrainian troops preventing a Moscow-backed armed riot within the japanese Donetsk area.
In 2019, he grew to become head of Ukraine’s land forces and led the nation into battle when Russia invaded in February 2022. Within the early months of the battle, he was named a “Hero of Ukraine”, the nation’s highest honour, due to his profitable defence of Kyiv.
Syrskii is credited with planning Ukraine’s counteroffensive round Kharkiv from July to September 2022, which grew to become one among Kyiv’s largest victories and led to the recapture of the strategically vital Kupiansk and Izyum cities.
What’s the context for Syrskii’s removing?
The removing got here after six days of protests within the capital, Kyiv, attributable to the removing of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had beforehand clashed with Syrskii.
Fedorov, who was seen by many as pivotal to the battle effort, was faraway from his submit final week, resulting in widespread anger throughout Ukraine. Earlier than his dismissal, the previous defence minister had accused Syrskii of blocking his reform efforts.
Instead of Syrskii, Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi to steer the army.
“I’m grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to each one among our warriors for Ukraine’s sturdy front-line positions,” Zelenskyy stated in an announcement on social media. “I’m grateful to Mykhailo Drapatyi for holding that very same view.”
“Our shared want is one – victory over the enemy and circumstances on the entrance and in strain on Russia that might pressure Russia towards peace,” he added.
Zelenskyy emphasised the necessity to tackle friction throughout the army management and resolve persistent points regarding mobilisation and front-line administration.
Zelenskyy stated Tuesday’s determination to nominate Drapatyi was made to “reset” the continuing defence in opposition to Russia’s invading troops.
Which different generals has Ukraine fired in the course of the battle?
Greater than 10 Ukrainian generals have been fired from their positions over the course of the battle.
Listed here are a number of the most main cases:
- In September 2023, Zelenskyy eliminated his Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov over corruption allegations.
- In February 2024, Zelenskyy dismissed Valerii Zaluzhnyi from his place as army commander-in-chief. Zelenskyy appointed Syrskii to take his place.
- In June 2024, Zelenskyy launched Andrii Hnatov as the brand new commander of the Joint Forces Command, changing Yuriy Sodol.
What about Russia?
Over the four-year battle, which started in February 2022, Russia has had its justifiable share of reshuffling in its personal army. Listed here are some main cases:
- In August 2022, Vice Admiral Igor Osipov, who commanded the Black Sea Fleet, was fired. He was first suspended after the fleet’s flagship Moskva was sunk in April 2022.
- In July 2023, Moscow’s army management dismissed Main-Basic Ivan Popov, commander-in-chief of Russia’s 58th Mixed Arms Military stationed in southern Ukraine, over his issues for troops preventing with out relaxation and criticism of Russian battlefield strategy.
- In August 2023, Russia removed Sergey Surovikin, nicknamed “Basic Armageddon”, from his submit as commander of Russia’s Aerospace Forces. Surovikin was linked to the Wagner mercenary group and was dismissed two months after its brief‑lived mutiny in opposition to Russia’s army management.
