Fedorov details systemic rift with Syrskyi and push for new military leadership - video

Fedorov openly confirmed his long-running conflict with the Commander-in-Chief, asserting that Syrskyi systematically blocked all of his reform initiatives and refused to address glaring problems, opting instead to "weave political intrigues."

"In reality, when the President stated that he does not plan to dismiss Syrskyi, that is his decision as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. I agree with it, and I will learn to work with him... But we faced a total blocking of all our initiatives," Fedorov said.

The minister went on to explain that Syrskyi had "issued an ultimatum" and that instead of brainstorming how to defeat Russia asymmetrically, "he came up with a way to divide the country."

At the same time, Fedorov cautioned against underestimating Syrskyi's capabilities as a military commander, pointing out that he "saved the country" in 2022. The minister highlighted the successful defensive operations in Kyiv and Kharkiv, as well as the liberation of Kherson, all of which Syrskyi either commanded or played a key role in. However, Fedorov stressed that the nature of the war has changed dramatically since then.

Fedorov revealed that he also proposed that to replace Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.

"We have no other choice if we want to defeat the enemy asymmetrically, with minimal losses, where strong leaders and commanders will be allowed to develop rather than being written off," Fedorov said.

Several media outlets reported that President Zelenskyy decided to replace Fedorov specifically due to his deep-seated conflict with Syrskyi. According to the BBC, Zelenskyy may also be contemplating Syrskyi's removal "in the foreseeable future."

On July 16, Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian Parliament] is scheduled to vote on several ministerial appointments in the newly formed government of Serhii Koretskyi. This includes replacing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov with current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

Meanwhile, mass protests in support of Fedorov are underway in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Lviv.