Ukraine on edge as Zelensky weighs replacing top commander amid protests

President Zelenskyy is weighing the dismissal of commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky amid a rift with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and growing protests after Fedorov’s firing; he’s convening senior commanders to interview candidates to lead the army, aiming for a smooth transition while maintaining front-line defence. Fedorov and Syrsky clashed over military strategy—drone/automation vs traditional infantry—and Western partners backed Fedorov’s reforms; protests outside the presidential administration have intensified, highlighting Ukraine’s leadership crisis as Zelenskyy also pursues a new ambassador to Washington.