Ukrainian MP Zhelezniak Hints Drapaty May Replace Syrsky

Yaroslav Zhelezniak, first deputy chair of Ukraine’s parliament, Verkhovna Rada’s finance committee signaled possible military shakeup tomorrow amid a deepening crisis in the country’s defense leadership.

“Our sources report that there could be good news tomorrow, and you should pay close attention specifically to this photo,” Zhelezniak wrote, hinting at a photo of Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapaty. Drapaty is one of the candidates to possibly replace current Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Oleksandr Syrsky.

“So, if that’s the case – this will truly be a success for many people, and I would even say that ‘people were really heard,’” Zhelezniak wrote, referring to the protests that erupted after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle, a move widely linked to Fedorov’s clash with Syrsky over their differentiating military leadership approach. While Zelensky had signaled he was listening to the demonstrators’ demands, critics argued his response fell short of what protesters were demanding.

“But until it’s official, I won’t believe it,” Zhelezniak said, adding that he is “definitely not stating this as fact!”

Zelensky reportedly weighing Syrskyi’s removal

Zhelezniak’s post comes as one of Bloomberg’s sources said Zelensky is likely to appoint Drapaty as Syrsky’s successor, a decision possibly coming within days. 

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However, a second source said no final decision has been made. Instead, 11 candidates are being considered, including Volodymyr Horbatiuk, Major General, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Oleh Apostol, Major General, Commander of the Air Assault Forces, Andriy Biletsky, Brigadier General, Commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Denys Prokopenko, Brigadier General of the National Guard, Commander of the 1st National Guard Corps, and Ihor Oboliensky, Colonel of the National Guard, Commander of the 2nd National Guard Corps.

Zelensky’s aide Dmytro Lytvyn declined to comment on the report, while Zelensky confirmed only that he met with Drapatyi on Monday, without disclosing any information regarding the army chief. 

Most recently on Tuesday, Lytvyn confirmed that “decisive meetings” were taking place, with official announcements expected to follow. “Just had one nearly decisive meeting, and now another one is underway, essentially decisive,” he said.

Separately, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak told 24Kanal that he was not yet prepared to comment on any decision by Zelensky regarding the commander-in-chief position. Podolyak said protesters were seeking answers from the government on specific questions, and that the president was prepared to provide them – however, he first needed further consultations.

A deepening leadership crisis

The reported discussions come as Zelensky faces what most deem as his most serious military leadership crisis since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. 

Following the July 15 dismissal of Fedorov, who had served only six months but quickly gained public support because of his advanced military achievements, thousands of Ukrainian demonstrators have taken to the streets nationwide.

Fedorov said after his dismissal that he had pushed for Syrsky’s removal, accusing the commander-in-chief of blocking military reforms, and calling for changes in the military’s top leadership while defending his own record on robotics, drones and air defense. Under Fedorov’s tenure, Ukraine deepened its reliance on unmanned systems for dangerous frontline missions. Since January, the military has carried out more than 50,000 logistics and evacuation missions using ground robotic complexes (GRCs) in order to preserve soldiers’ lives in high-risk situations. 

In a rare personal column, Syrsky broke silence and apologized to ousted Fedorov, saying he had no knowledge of their conflict before it spilled into public view. “For me, it was a surprise to learn that the minister and I had a conflict. I saw our relationship as a working one, with difficult questions and different positions” Syrsky wrote. “If I offended someone with something: Mykhailo Albertovych [Fedorov], I’m sorry. I can be tough,” he continued.

Syrskyi has served as Ukraine’s top military commander since February 2024, when he replaced Gen. Valery Zaluzhny. He served in the military for nearly 40 years.