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1 1 (July 30, 2026)

handle is hein.crs/goveuyg0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Ukrainian Military Leadership Changes July 30, 2026 On July 15, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Ukraine's minister of defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, after six months in office and amid a wider government overhaul. Zelensky then appointed Evgeniy Khmara, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as acting defense minister. Changes in Ukraine's military leadership present several political and military issues that may have implications for U.S. policy toward Ukraine and be of interest to some Members of Congress. Fedorov's dismissal was widely seen as unexpected. Fedorov was generally seen by observers as a tech- savvy reformer who had undertaken several popular changes, including in recruitment, training, and defense procurement. Some observers had assessed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) battlefield situation in the war against Russia was stabilizing and improving, for which they partly credited Fedorov. Various domestic political issues and strategic considerations regarding the conduct of the war may have factored into Fedorov's dismissal (see below). Fedorov's removal was met with public protests and concerns from some in the UAF, including some officers who resigned in protest. Fedorov accused General Oleksandr Syrskiy, commander in chiefofthe UAF, of stalling reforms and undermining the defense ministry. In response, President Zelensky held a series of meetings with the UAF's top leadership, and General Syrskyi wrote a public letter apologizing to Fedorov and expressing his surprise at Fedorov's accusations. These actions failed to quell the criticism. On July 21, President Zelensky relieved General Syrskyi of his position and replaced him with Major General Mykhailo Drapaty. President Zelensky also replaced Lieutenant General Andriy Hnatov, chief of the general staff, with Major General Ihor Skybyuk. President Zelensky has offered Fedorov a new position in the government, but Fedorov reportedly has refused any appointment other than defense minister. Changes in Ukraine's military leadership have potentially wide-ranging implications for Ukraine's war strategy and management. The UAF has undertaken multiple reforms regarding mobilization and recruitment, troop rotation, weapon system procurement, long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure, and the role of technology. The UAF faces continued challenges in recruitment, organization and management (e.g., troop rotation and the creation of new units), and procurement. It remains unclear whether and to what extent Drapaty can continue changes started under Syrskyi's leadership. Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12721 CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress