Zelenskyy is reportedly considering Syrsky's resignation — FT
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly considering replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Financial Times reported this, citing a senior official in the Office of the President whose name has not been disclosed. According to the publication, the final decision will depend on whether a candidate can be found who is capable of seamlessly taking over command of the army amid wartime conditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering the possibility of dismissing Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. The Financial Times reports this, citing an unnamed senior official in the President’s Office.
According to the publication’s source, the head of state is prepared to make such a decision on only one condition—if a person can be found who is capable of seamlessly taking over command of the troops and maintaining control of the defense along the entire front line. According to the FT’s source, Zelenskyy plans to interview potential candidates this coming weekend, July 18–19. “Zelenskyy is ready to dismiss Syrskyy if he finds a commander who can ensure a seamless transfer of command while maintaining the defense along the 1,200-kilometer front line,” the publication quotes its source as saying.
According to the Financial Times, the president began to take the issue of a possible change in the commander-in-chief more seriously after protests—which were initially linked to the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov—began to be accompanied by demands for Oleksandr Syrskyi’s dismissal. At the same time, there have been no official statements from the President of Ukraine, the Office of the President, or the General Staff regarding the commander-in-chief’s possible resignation.
In addition to personnel changes in the military leadership, the Financial Times also reports on the search for a new Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. According to the publication, former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko remains the leading candidate for the position. FT sources claim that Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to persuade her to accept the appointment, although she was reportedly previously unwilling to head the Ukrainian embassy in Washington.
At this time, information about Oleksandr Syrskyi’s possible resignation is based solely on a Financial Times report citing an anonymous source. Ukrainian authorities have not provided official confirmation of this information.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed military expert Serhiy Beskrestnov, better known by his call sign “Flash,” as his advisor. He will work on issues related to the development of modern defense technologies. The head of state signed the corresponding decree on July 17. Serhiy Beskrestnov will hold the position on a non-staff basis.
