Ukraine overhauls military leadership

Ukraine’s biggest military shake-up since Russia’s full-scale invasion has exposed a generational divide among top leaders as Kyiv pushes for a more modern, technology-driven army

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Jul 15: President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) dismisses popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after only six months in office, amid tensions with military leadership over reform and modernisation

Fedorov’s removal sparks street protests across country, calling for him to be reinstated

Jul 21: Under pressure, Zelensky dismisses commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and names young major general Mykhailo Drapatyi, seen as ally of Fedorov, as his replacement

Mykhailo Fedorov, 35
Widely praised for transforming armed forces using data, digital innovation and technology, as well as leading drive against corruption

Yevhenii Khmara
Former top official at Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) named acting defence minister

Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60
Played key role in Kyiv's defence in early days of war, but now seen by many as Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement changes

Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43
Battle-hardened general and former land forces chief seen as new-generation commander

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Sources: Reuters, BBC, Chatham House
Pictures: Getty Images, Newscom, SBU, armyinform.com.ua
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