Military — 2026-07-25

Zelensky Says Dismissed Generals Syrskyi and Hnatov Will Remain to Advise New Army Command

BLUFKeeping dismissed commanders inside the decision loop during active combat trades clean authority for political optics, exposing Drapatyi's new command to accountability gaps if operational setbacks follow.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and General Andrii Hnatov will remain involved in the Armed Forces of Ukraine following their dismissal from top command 12. Zelensky stated the two officers will advise the new command, help pass on their accumulated experience, and take part in decision-making under new Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi and General Staff Chief Ihor Skybiuk 34. Zelensky made the remarks on Telegram and separately during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, saying he has already held several conversations with Syrskyi and Hnatov about the arrangement 34. The same Telegram statement, made during a meeting with acting Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara and Drapatyi, also addressed cyber forces development, mobilization, the Freya antiballistic program, and Patriot production licensing talks with the United States 4.

Analysis
Retaining Syrskyi and Hnatov in advisory roles rather than separating them from the military addresses political fallout from the command change alongside the operational transition. The arrangement creates dual-authority exposure: Drapatyi and Skybiuk must assert independent command while their predecessors remain visible participants in decision-making, a structure that blurs accountability lines during active operations in the Donetsk region. Zelensky's choice to announce the arrangement personally, on Telegram and in a meeting with Ireland's prime minister, treats public reassurance of institutional continuity as more urgent than a clean leadership break.

4 sources

Zelensky says dismissed generals Syrskyi, Hnatov will remain to advise new army command - Kyiv Independent
Syrskyi and Hnatov Will Remain in Ukraine's Armed Forces — Zelenskyy Provides Details - The New Voice of Ukraine
Syrskyi and Hnatov remain alongside the new command - Zelenskyy - UNN
Zelenskyy says Syrsky, Hnatov to continue service defending Ukraine - Interfax-Ukraine