President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, after dismissing Oleksandr Syrskyi on Tuesday.

The development came amid street protests following Mr Zelenskiy’s announcement of major changes to the country’s military leadership.

“The operations of the Ukrainian Defence Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily. Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions and our programme of middle-range strikes will be carried out with absolute precision,” Mr Zelenskiy said as he introduced the new military chief. “We all want the same thing: to defeat the enemy and create the conditions on the front line and through pressure on Russia that would allow us to force Russia into peace.”

Mr Drapatyi, who was appointed the country’s new military chief, said he would work responsibly and focus on those defending the country against its enemies.

“I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” Mr Drapatyi said on Facebook.

Ukraine’s sacked defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, whose dismissal caused uproar in the country, welcomed the appointment.

“Congratulations to Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi on his appointment as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is a breath of fresh air and a new source of hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice. It is the voice of change that could no longer be ignored,” Mr Fedorov stated on X.

He also thanked Mr Syrskyi for his role in the defence of the Kyiv region, the Kharkiv counteroffensive and other historic battles.