Zelensky sacks military chief amid protests over defence minister removal

Ukraine’s military leadership has undergone its most sweeping overhaul since Russia’s full‑scale invasion, a move aimed at quelling one of the country’s longest‑running political crises. After the dismissal of Defence Minister Oleksandr Syrskyi sparked street protests last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky followed suit by sacking the commander‑in‑chief of the armed forces. The decision comes amid growing public pressure for decisive reforms in the defence sector.

The new commander‑in‑chief, appointed on 28 March, will inherit a military that has faced criticism over logistical shortcomings and perceived political interference. The protests, which have seen thousands take to the streets in Kyiv and other major cities, demand not only leadership changes but also broader systemic reforms. Analysts note that the removal of both top officials signals Zelensky’s intent to restore confidence, but it also raises questions about the depth of the reforms being implemented.

According to France 24 correspondent in Ukraine, Gulliver Cragg, the shake‑up “may not be sufficient to fully satisfy the protesters.” Cragg reports that while the new appointments are a step toward addressing the unrest, many demonstrators remain skeptical that leadership changes alone will resolve the underlying issues driving their protests.