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"It seems obvious to me — maybe not just seems, maybe it's more than that — in the fifth year of the war, Zelenskyy is worn out, he's exhausted, he's clearly in a constant state of nervous tension, among other things," Hrytsak said. “And naturally, no matter who a person is, they become prone to mistakes. This is very important, especially since he's acting very spontaneously. The question is whether there are any checks or restraints, any stable mechanisms that could prevent such a situation. I'm afraid there aren't.”
*The interview was recorded a day before Zelenskyy announced that Mykhailo Drapatyi would become the new commander-in-chief.*
Hrytsak also noted that public debate over whether Fedorov's removal as defense minister was justified is taking place after the decision was already made, rather than before it.
Read also: Ukraine’s command debate intensifies as Zelenskyy consults top battlefield leaders
The Financial Times reported on July 21, citing a Western official, that Ukraine's partners had urged Zelenskyy to resolve the question of military leadership as quickly as possible. According to the official, partner nations want a swift end to the personnel uncertainty. “We are your main financier and we need stability,” the report quoted the unnamed source. “We need people we know and trust and can work [in place].”
Military leadership reshuffle
Zelenskyy said on July 16 that Yevheniy Khmara, who had led the SBU Security Service's Alpha Special Operations Center, would serve as acting defense minister in the new government of Sergii Koretskyi. The president confirmed a conflict between Mykhailo Fedorov and Oleksandr Syrskyi, with the former minister saying the commander-in-chief had blocked all of his initiatives and issued ultimatums.
The Financial Times reported that Zelenskyy was considering dismissing Syrskyi amid large-scale protests that began after Fedorov's removal, calling the potential change in commander-in-chief an attempt to resolve the biggest military leadership crisis of Zelenskyy's presidency.
Zelenskyy said on July 18 that he had held a lengthy conversation with Fedorov and spoken separately with Syrskyi. "There were many consultations yesterday and today. I spoke at length with Mykhailo Fedorov today. I also spoke with Oleksandr Syrskyi today. Decisions regarding the military will be worked out," Zelenskyy said. Fedorov said at the time that "changes will definitely happen," adding, "There is dialogue. I believe it will work out."
On July 20, reports emerged that Syrskyi's dismissal could be discussed that day at a meeting of Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, with 11 candidates reportedly under consideration for the post, according to media reports. That same day, Zelenskyy met with Joint Forces commander Mykhailo Drapatyi, Azov commander Denys Prokopenko, deputy chief of the General Staff Volodymyr Horbatiuk, and Third Army Corps commander Andriy Biletskyi.
Read also: Fourth day of rallies raises pressure on Zelenskyy over military leadership
After four days of protests over Fedorov's removal, Zelenskyy did not reverse his decision and did not plan to reinstate Fedorov as defense minister, NV reported, citing members of the parliamentary defense committee. However, the former minister could remain part of the president's team, the outlet said.
According to the Financial Times, Fedorov turned down a new position Zelenskyy offered him over the weekend. Sources told NV that Fedorov plans to decline any position Zelenskyy might offer him other than defense minister.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Russian war
Author: Богуслав Романенко
