Ukraine's ousted defence minister insists on being reinstated

Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has refused President Zelensky's offer of a new role, insisting on being reinstated. Fedorov stated that his team had a specific plan to end the war upon his appointment in January, focusing on sky protection, front stabilization, and strikes against Russia's economy. He believes this plan has been consistently implemented, leading to Ukraine seizing the initiative and creating an opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength. Fedorov emphasized his desire to influence the outcome and bring Ukraine closer to victory, rather than seeking personal status. He has already been replaced by Yevhenii Khmara. President Zelensky had offered Fedorov the position of deputy prime minister for military innovation, a role he described as crucial for coordinating innovation with defence leadership.

Ukrainian drones have targeted several Wildberries warehouses, Russia's largest online retailer, in recent days. The attacks, which began over the weekend and continued into Wednesday, have resulted in casualties and significant destruction of goods, estimated at £750 million. Kyiv claims these logistics facilities are used to supply components for drone production and navigation equipment, and to disrupt Russian supplies. However, the strikes have also severely impacted hundreds of Russian small and medium-sized businesses that rely on Wildberries for their livelihoods, with many losing substantial stock and facing financial ruin. Wildberries, acting as a marketplace, is not liable for losses due to drone attacks, as per a recent contract amendment. The company owner has promised support to affected sellers.

Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed Ukraine's third commander-in-chief since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. He faces the challenge of leveraging Ukraine's technological advancements and burgeoning defense industry for battlefield successes. Drapatyi acknowledged the difficulty of his task, promising responsible decision-making and respect for frontline soldiers, aiming for a shift from what was perceived as his predecessor's "outdated" fighting methods. Analysts caution against unrealistic expectations for rapid change. Drapatyi previously addressed issues within the Ground Forces, including combat training, mobilization, corruption, and procurement. His appointment has generated excitement among some soldiers and Ukrainians, who see it as a significant change in outlook.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed his military chief, Oleksandr Syrskii, in a recent defense reshuffle. Syrskii, a decorated general credited with defending Kyiv and planning the Kharkiv counteroffensive, was removed following days of protests triggered by the earlier ouster of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The article notes that both Ukraine and Russia have seen several generals dismissed during the ongoing war. Syrskii, born in Soviet Russia, had a long career in the Ukrainian military, rising to command land forces and leading the country into the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine's newly appointed military chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, has pledged to escalate offensive operations against Russia, including missions behind enemy lines. This announcement follows Ukraine's claim of recapturing 700 square km of territory this year and comes as both sides intensify air strikes on vital infrastructure. Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted logistics hubs supplying the Russian military, including warehouses of online retailer Wildberries, and an oil depot and ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Russia, in turn, claimed to have attacked Ukrainian cargo ships and storage facilities. The article also notes that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to meet with US counterpart Marco Rubio, though progress towards peace is considered unlikely.

President Zelenskyy faces growing pressure to reinstate sacked Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who campaigners demand be returned to his post. This comes after Zelenskyy dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces. Fedorov has reportedly refused a different government role, insisting on his former position to implement army reforms. Protests are planned to continue until his demands are met, presenting Zelenskyy with a difficult choice between appeasing public anger and maintaining presidential authority. The military shake-up follows a generational conflict between Fedorov and Syrskyi.

Ukraine has targeted four Wildberries warehouses in a recent campaign of drone strikes. Wildberries, Russia's leading online retailer, began as a small family business and has become a significant economic force. The company processes an estimated 20 million orders daily from its extensive network of warehouses across Russia. These strikes are part of a broader effort by Ukraine to target the company, which is central to Russia's consumer economy. By attacking Wildberries, Ukraine is bringing the conflict closer to ordinary Russians who rely on the retailer's services.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, with General Mykhailo Drapatyi. Drapatyi, a respected and innovative general, will oversee a reorganization of the army's command structure and continue Ukraine's long-range drone attacks on Russian targets. Zelenskyy also announced the return of Mykhailo Fedorov to government following his recent dismissal as defense minister, which had sparked nationwide protests. Fedorov's return was met with welcome from Drapatyi, who emphasized the need for change and meeting public expectations. Yevhen Khmara has been appointed as the new defense minister.

Ukraine is facing a public demand for the removal of army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, with protesters calling for his replacement by Friday. Syrskyi defended his strategy, stating that transforming a million-strong army to rely solely on drones within two months is not feasible. He emphasized his focus on fighting Russia, not the defense ministry. President Zelensky is reportedly considering several younger officers as potential replacements, including Mykhailo Drapatyi, Andriy Bilekskyi, Oleh Apostol, Ihor Obolenskyi, and Denys Prokopenko. Zelensky has acknowledged the contributions of those offering feedback as he works on adjustments to Ukraine's defense strategy.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a young tech innovator credited with modernizing the country's drone program, sparking nationwide protests. This decision stemmed from a clash between Fedorov's reformist approach and the traditional command culture of Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the seasoned commander of Ukraine's armed forces. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking necessary military reforms due to the evolving nature of the war. Syrskyi, a Soviet-trained general, has been instrumental in key Ukrainian military victories, though he has also faced criticism and earned the nickname "Butcher" for his role in costly battles. The ouster has led to protests from veterans and soldiers who desire a new generation of generals prioritizing troop lives, while Russian commentators expressed hope for Ukrainian political infighting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced Oleksandr Syrskii as the country's commander-in-chief with Mykhailo Drapatyi. This decision follows six days of protests in Kyiv, which were triggered by the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov had previously clashed with Syrskii, accusing the military chief of hindering his reform efforts, particularly in drone innovation and technology. Zelenskyy stated the change was intended to "reset" the defense against Russia and address friction within military leadership, including issues with mobilization and front-line management. Fedorov was offered a new government position unifying the technology sector, though his acceptance was unclear.

Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Drapatyi, 43, gained prominence for his combat leadership in 2014 during the early stages of the conflict with Russia, notably leading a daring rescue mission in Mariupol and a breakout from encirclement. He has spent his career in combat assignments, rising through the ranks and leading critical defense operations, including halting Russian advances in Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv regions. Drapatyi is known for his discipline and effectiveness, and his appointment signifies a new generation of Ukrainian generals forged in conflict. He has previously expressed frustration with systemic resistance to reform within the military.