Ukraine’s Hero Kashchenko Says It’s Time to Replace Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: What’s Behind the Call.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces Amid Political Turmoil

According to Espreso.tv: Retired Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Kashchenko, a recipient of the Hero of Ukraine award, has publicly argued that General Oleksandr Syrskyi should be replaced as the country’s top military commander. His remarks come against the backdrop of an escalating conflict within the Ministry of Defense and protests backing Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. According to Kashchenko, the current state of Ukraine’s military leadership demands a fundamental reassessment, as the issue has become urgent.

Kashchenko emphasized that replacing General Syrskyi as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a critical step at this juncture. He stated:

“I believe that the replacement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Syrskyi, will happen, and it is indeed long overdue.” — Dmytro Kashchenko

This statement follows the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who stepped down on July 15, 2023, citing financial difficulties within the Ministry of Defense and the armed forces. Fedorov reported overspending amounting to 300 billion hryvnias.

Conflict Inside the Ministry of Defense

Tensions within the Ministry of Defense continue to mount. Dmytro Kozyatynskyi, the organizer of protests supporting Fedorov, gathered over 10,000 people in Kyiv on July 17, 2023. These demonstrations were a direct response to the minister’s resignation and the broader crisis in the defense sector. Kashchenko believes the next commander-in-chief should be given time to implement their agenda:

“After these presidential appointments, there may even be some disappointment in society, but I think we should wait at least six months and give the new commander-in-chief time.” — Dmytro Kashchenko

Adding to the political momentum, on July 20, 2023, lawmaker Kachura called for an emergency session of the parliament, signaling intensified political activity across the country. Kashchenko highlighted that Syrskyi had issued an ultimatum to Fedorov, blocking ministerial initiatives, which further strains relations between the military leadership and the Defense Ministry.

As a result, Ukraine’s defense sector remains in a state of high tension. Calls for a change in leadership could trigger new political and military shifts in the near future. With the ongoing conflict at the Ministry of Defense and growing public discontent, the stability of the Armed Forces’ command has become a pivotal issue—one that directly impacts the effectiveness of Ukraine’s defense strategies and the sustainment of its military efforts against the aggressor.