Ukraine's Zelenskyy Fires Military Chief Amid Protests, Appoints New Commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the country's top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, following days of protests in Kyiv and other cities. Demonstrators had called for his removal, leading to the decision announced on Tuesday. Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces, according to an official statement. The protests erupted after reports of disagreements between Syrskyi and the defense minister. Drapatyi, a former deputy defense minister, is seen as an ally of the ousted defense minister. The change in military leadership comes amid the ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his service but said new leadership was necessary to strengthen the army. Drapatyi's appointment was welcomed by some military analysts who see him as a reformer. The situation remains fluid as Ukraine continues to defend against Russian aggression. Investigations into the protest demands and military operations are ongoing.