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“We became better acquainted in February 2022 during the defense of Kyiv. When difficult decisions had to be made quickly, when the enemy stood at the capital, almost encircling it,” the statement read. “Few people understand how everything happened then, what was done and how it was done to preserve the heart of the country. And the situation was on the brink…”
He recalled that Syrskyi received the title of Hero of Ukraine and Honorary Citizen of Kyiv for organizing the capital's defense. Klitschko also noted Syrskyi's leadership of the Kharkiv counteroffensive and his subsequent appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in February 2024.
Read also: Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi steps down, issues farewell statement
The mayor emphasized that the work of a combat general can be properly judged only by military personnel who have a thorough understanding of the situation on the battlefield.
“Syrskyi carried out his duties without television cameras, interviews, or social media posts. It was a difficult duty given the circumstances he faced,” Klitschko stressed.
Read also: Budanov reacts to military shakeup, commends newly appointed Commander-in-Chief
Klitschko also wished the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces success in addressing the challenges ahead, emphasizing that the army's success on the front depends on his decisions. He added that the Kyiv community will continue to support the Armed Forces.
Syrskyi’s dismissal and Drapatyi’s appointment
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the evening of July 21, 2026, that Syrskyi was leaving his post and that Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi would become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Oleksandr Syrskyi’s dismissal followed widespread protests across Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, which erupted after Mykhailo Fedorov resigned as Defense Minister on July 16 and accused the Commander-in-Chief of blocking his team's initiatives and “weaving political intrigues”.
Read also: Kyiv protesters welcome Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief
Mykhailo Drapatyi publicly backed outgoing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, saying that the arrival of Fedorov’s team at the Defense Ministry marked a real attempt to change approaches inside the military system and address problems whose consequences are felt directly by soldiers and commanders.
He said that over the past six months the troops had gained a partner in the Defense Ministry that not only supplied the army’s needs, but also demanded changes in approach, faster decision-making, and support for those ready to take responsibility.
Read also: Moscow places Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief Drapatyi on wanted list
The President appointed Drapatyi as Commander of the Joint Forces in June 2025. He previously commanded the Ground Forces but resigned following a Russian strike on a military training ground, citing personal responsibility and noting that he had worked to eliminate impunity and systemic cover-ups within the branch.
“An army where commanders bear personal responsibility for the lives of their men is alive. An army where no one is held accountable for losses dies from within,” Drapatyi said.
The President appointed General Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on February 8, 2024, following the dismissal of Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Nation
Author: Midian Al-Rifai
