Ukrainian Military Leadership Changes

Ukrainian Military Leadership Changes

Ukrainian Military Leadership Changes

July 30, 2026 (IN12721)

On July 15, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Ukraine's minister of defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, after six months in office and amid a wider government overhaul. Zelensky then appointed Evgeniy Khmara, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as acting defense minister. Changes in Ukraine's military leadership present several political and military issues that may have implications for U.S. policy toward Ukraine and be of interest to some Members of Congress.

Fedorov's dismissal was widely seen as unexpected. Fedorov was generally seen by observers as a tech-savvy reformer who had undertaken several popular changes, including in recruitment, training, and defense procurement. Some observers had assessed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) battlefield situation in the war against Russia was stabilizing and improving, for which they partly credited Fedorov. Various domestic political issues and strategic considerations regarding the conduct of the war may have factored into Fedorov's dismissal (see below).

Fedorov's removal was met with public protests and concerns from some in the UAF, including some officers who resigned in protest. Fedorov accused General Oleksandr Syrskiy, commander in chief of the UAF, of stalling reforms and undermining the defense ministry. In response, President Zelensky held a series of meetings with the UAF's top leadership, and General Syrskyi wrote a public letter apologizing to Fedorov and expressing his surprise at Fedorov's accusations. These actions failed to quell the criticism. On July 21, President Zelensky relieved General Syrskyi of his position and replaced him with Major General Mykhailo Drapaty. President Zelensky also replaced Lieutenant General Andriy Hnatov, chief of the general staff, with Major General Ihor Skybyuk. President Zelensky has offered Fedorov a new position in the government, but Fedorov reportedly has refused any appointment other than defense minister.

Changes in Ukraine's military leadership have potentially wide-ranging implications for Ukraine's war strategy and management. The UAF has undertaken multiple reforms regarding mobilization and recruitment, troop rotation, weapon system procurement, long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure, and the role of technology. The UAF faces continued challenges in recruitment, organization and management (e.g., troop rotation and the creation of new units), and procurement. It remains unclear whether and to what extent Drapaty can continue changes started under Syrskyi's leadership.

Potential Factors for Military Leadership Changes and Ukrainian Domestic Politics

The changes in Ukraine's military leadership have raised questions for some about their timing and rationale, as well as their potential implications for Ukrainian politics and governance.

President Zelensky tasked Fedorov, when he appointed him in January 2026, with a series of ambitious reforms that Fedorov was seen to be largely implementing. Some observers also viewed Fedorov's ouster as curious as he appeared to be acting with Zelensky's support and mandate for reform in the defense ministry. Some observers speculate that at least part of the rationale for Fedorov's ouster was that he was perceived as too independent or popular, potentially undermining President Zelensky's own control of the defense ministry.

Another potential factor was a reported conflict between Fedorov and General Syrskyi over strategy, reforms, and management of the war. Some observers assess that General Syrskyi resisted Fedorov's reforms as interfering with and undermining UAF leadership. Some reports suggest Fedorov and Syrskyi may have disagreed over the UAF's management and structure, including the establishment of new brigades despite a shortage of personnel. Such disagreements could reflect contrasting views of the appropriate nature of civilian control over the military and the extent to which the UAF can operate independently of civilian intervention. Given Fedorov's removal, it is possible that Zelensky initially agreed with Syrskyi and viewed Fedorov's involvement in military and force structure decisions as too broad or invasive.

Possible Implications for Ukrainian Military Strategy

Some observers highlight that the replacement of General Syrskyi by Major General Drapaty reflects a generational change and differing approaches to warfighting. At 61 years of age, General Syrskyi was regarded as a noted tactical commander but was criticized as emblematic of a traditional Soviet-style military model defined by centralization and a rigid command structure. Some observers and UAF officers accused General Syrskyi of favoritism, such as directing more recruits and support to the Assault Troops at the expense of other units, as well as of micromanagement and a callous approach to Ukrainian casualties. General Syrskyi's strategic approach focused on holding territory and imposing as many casualties as possible on Russian forces.

In contrast, the 43-year-old Drapaty is part of a younger generation of Ukrainian officers and has a reputation for initiative and for delegating autonomy and responsibility to lower-level commanders. He also has been critical of the UAF leadership and is seen by some observers as more flexible and better suited to adapting the UAF to a more modern style of combat. Fedorov congratulated Drapaty on his appointment, and Drapaty is reportedly popular among the UAF rank and file.

Issues for Congress

Members of Congress may monitor the changes in Ukraine's military leadership as they evaluate potential legislative options or conduct oversight of executive branch activities toward Ukraine. Issues for congressional consideration may include the following:

With the removal of General Syrskyi, what are the implications for Ukraine's military strategy? Given Major General Drapaty's background and previous criticism of UAF leadership, might he alter or reform UAF military strategy? Would it affect congressional considerations for security assistance moving forward?

What effects, if any, might Fedorov's removal have on the nature of domestic political competition in Ukraine? Would it affect the office of the president's power in Ukraine going forward? Are there implications for stability and democracy in Ukraine?

Will these military leadership changes affect civilian control over the military? Will reforms that Fedorov started to combat corruption in the military and defense procurement continue? Will recruitment and mobilization reforms continue, and are there implications for the conduct of the war?