FT: Zelenskyy Is Considering Replacing Syrsky

• 18.07.2026, 14:29

The President of Ukraine is prepared to dismiss the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but on one condition.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering the possibility of dismissing the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. However, he will do so only if he can find a suitable replacement.

This was reported by Financial Times.

The publication notes that the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has sparked protests, which intensified after Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

According to a high-ranking official in the Ukrainian president’s administration, Zelenskyy is gathering military commanders this weekend to hear their assessment of the situation on the battlefield and to interview candidates for the position of commander-in-chief.

An FT source reported that Zelenskyy is prepared to remove Syrsky from office if he can find a commander who will ensure a smooth transition of power while maintaining a strong defense along the 1,200-kilometer front line.