President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he expects to hold “key conversations” on Monday to formulate a strategy aimed at concluding the war, following a weekend of extensive consultations with military commanders.
In his evening video address on Sunday, July 19, Zelensky stated that the priority is evaluating active operations and establishing a future strategy to compel a conclusion to the conflict on terms acceptable to Ukraine.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“This has various components, and I want to hear how the commanders in our Defense and Security Forces see it,” Zelensky said. “Tomorrow I have key conversations. Ukraine must achieve its goals, and it will.”
The president noted that over the weekend, he held discussions regarding the situation on the front line and broader military strategy with several experienced military personnel.
“Today I continued to speak with experienced Ukrainian military personnel. Mykhailo Drapatyi, Volodymyr Horbatiuk, Oleh Apostol – each of them is well known in the army,” Zelensky stated, adding that the commanders provided reports on various operational directions.
Zelensky considers replacing Syrsky
The strategic consultations follow a report by the Financial Times (FT), citing sources close to the presidential administration, indicating that Zelensky is considering the dismissal of Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.
According to the FT, Zelensky is willing to dismiss Syrsky if he can identify a successor capable of ensuring a smooth transition of command while maintaining a strong defense along the 1,200-kilometer frontline. The potential leadership change follows nationwide protests triggered by the recent dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Foreign Engineers for Ukraine: A Strategy for Victory?
As part of the assessment process, Zelensky met with several military commanders over the weekend. On Saturday, July 18, the president held discussions with corps commanders operating in the most intense sectors of the front to hear their assessments of the battlefield, logistics, and Russian operational intentions.
Consultations included Brigadier General Dmytro Voloshyn (8th Air Assault Corps), Major General Artem Bohomolov (10th Army Corps), Brigadier General Oleksii Maistrenko (11th Army Corps), Brigadier General Yevhen Lasiichuk (7th Air Assault Quick Response Corps), Brigadier General Sviatoslav Zaits (20th Army Corps), and Brigadier General Yaroslav Sydorov (17th Army Corps). FT sources indicated these meetings also served as potential interviews for the commander-in-chief position.
In his evening address on Saturday, Zelensky acknowledged the demonstrations supporting Fedorov. “Yesterday and today there were many consultations. Of course, I hear what people are saying,” the president stated.
Zelensky noted that he had spoken at length with both Fedorov and Syrsky on Saturday, adding that “decisions regarding the army will be worked out,” without providing further specifics.
Former Defense Minister Fedorov also commented on the situation in response to the protests. In a social media post, he confirmed that “there is a dialogue” and stated that “changes will definitely happen.” He thanked his supporters and expressed gratitude to the military and veterans for holding the front line.
Fedorov’s dismissal earlier this week concluded a six-month tenure as defense minister and brought a behind-the-scenes dispute with the military leadership into the public eye. Fedorov accused Syrsky of blocking initiatives and obstructing the modernization of the armed forces.
Syrsky issued a response thanking Fedorov for his work and urging unity, without directly addressing the allegations.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
OPINION: The Bill for Crimea Comes Due for Putin
