“I am handing over an army that is on the offensive”: Syrsky handed over command to Drapaty
22 July 08:45
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi addressed Ukrainian military personnel and citizens following the announcement of a change in the army’s leadership. In his farewell address, he summarized his tenure, recalled key operations carried out by the Ukrainian military, and stated that he would continue to serve Ukraine regardless of his position.
Syrskyi posted the message on his official Facebook page, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that he is stepping down as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and thanked the servicemen, officers, and all defenders of Ukraine for their years of joint struggle.
“Today I am stepping down from the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Before handing over command, I would like to say a few words,” he wrote.
According to the general, for every officer, commanding the military during a full-scale war is the greatest responsibility.
In his address, Syrskyi listed the key stages of the war in which he participated as commander.
Among them:
- the defense of Kyiv in the spring of 2022;
- preventing the complete siege of Kharkiv;
- the Kharkiv offensive to liberate Balakliya, Izyum, and Kupiansk;
- battles in the Donetsk region against the Wagner Group;
- the defense of Avdiivka;
- halting the advance of Russian troops in the Kharkiv region;
- thwarting preparations for an offensive in the Sumy region;
- The Kursk Operation;
- the Dobropillia operation;
- offensive operations in the Oleksandrivka sector.
He specifically emphasized that the Kursk Operation was not aimed at seizing Russian territory, but rather at disrupting the enemy’s preparations for a new offensive, drawing out its forces, and replenishing the exchange pool for the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
What Changes Have Taken Place in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
In his post, Syrskyi also listed the structural changes that, according to him, were implemented during his leadership.
In particular, he announced:
- the creation of a separate branch of the military—the Unmanned Systems Forces;
- the development of an interceptor drone system;
- the formation of a separate command for unmanned aerial systems in air defense;
- the transition of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to a corps-based structure;
- the renewal of headquarters staff with the inclusion of combat officers;
- strengthening the air defense system.
In addition, Syrskyi noted that Ukrainian forces continue to hold back Russian troops on the main fronts and are conducting offensive operations in certain sectors of the front.
“The army is on the offensive today”
The former commander-in-chief stated that he is handing over to his successor an army that not only holds its ground but also seizes the initiative on the battlefield.
According to him, 700 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory were liberated under his command in 2026.
“I am handing over to my successor an army that not only holds its ground but is also on the offensive—with the initiative, the structure, and the people who know how to defeat the enemy,” Syrskyi emphasized.
Syrskyi promised to continue serving Ukraine
At the end of his address, the general stated that his guiding principle remains the defense of the state, regardless of the position he holds.
“My work is war. Positions change, but this principle does not. No matter what my status may be, I will serve Ukraine until Victory,” he emphasized.
Syrskyi also thanked the Ukrainian military, the families of fallen defenders, and all citizens who support the Armed Forces.
On the evening of July 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had decided to replace the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the head of state, Mykhailo Drapatiy will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and will lead the restructured military command system.
The president also announced that, together with Drapatiy, Acting Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmara, and Deputy Head of the Office of the President Pavlo Palisa, the future structure of the General Staff has already been determined.
At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Oleksandr Syrskyi for his contribution to the defense of Ukraine, particularly for the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive operation, and other important military campaigns.
When the decision will take effect
The president stated that all personnel decisions regarding the military leadership will be formalized in the near future through the relevant decrees.
