Oleksandr Stanislavovych Syrskyi served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine between 2024 and 2026. A career officer educated at the Moscow Higher Military Command School, he transitioned from Soviet-era artillery units to command roles in the Ukrainian military, ultimately overseeing national defense efforts during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Early Career and Soviet Service
Born in Novinki in 1965, Syrskyi graduated from the Moscow Higher Military Command School in 1986. He served in self-propelled artillery and rocket units, including assignments in Afghanistan, the Tajik SSR, and Czechoslovakia. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, his unit in Chuhuiv transferred to Ukrainian command. He subsequently advanced through roles in the National Guard of Ukraine and completed graduate studies at the National Defense University of Ukraine in 2005.
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Syrskyi held key operational positions during the conflict in eastern Ukraine. As chief of staff of anti-terrorist operations, he coordinated battles at Vuhlehirsk and Ridkodub, alongside managing the withdrawal from Debaltseve. He later headed the Joint Operational Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and took command of the Joint Forces Operation in 2019. In August of that year, he became the Commander of the Ground Forces, earning the rank of colonel general in 2020.
Leadership During Invasion
During the 2022 Russian invasion, Syrskyi led the defense of Kyiv and orchestrated the Kharkiv counteroffensive. He received the title of Hero of Ukraine in April 2022. Appointed Commander-in-Chief in February 2024, he managed operations such as the withdrawal from Avdiivka and retreats from Berdychi, Semenivka, and Novomykhailivka to preserve personnel. By 2025, he reported the expansion of the Unmanned Systems Forces and the addition of 16 new corps to the military structure.
Departure from Command
In July 2026, internal tensions between Syrskyi and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov led to the dismissal of the latter. Public protests followed, with critics alleging that Syrskyi prioritized personal loyalty and maintained outdated tactical approaches. Proponents emphasized his extensive experience and previous battlefield successes. On 21 July 2026, Mykhailo Drapatyi replaced Syrskyi as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 July 1965, Novinki
- Education: Moscow Higher Military Command School
- Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: 2024-2026
- Commander of Ukrainian Ground Forces: 2019-2024
- Military rank: General of the Army of Ukraine
- Notable award: Hero of Ukraine
- Languages: Russian, Ukrainian
Questions readers ask
What major military operations did Syrskyi command?
He commanded the defense of Kyiv in 2022, the Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022, and the defense of Bakhmut throughout 2023.
When did his tenure as Commander-in-Chief end?
He was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi on 21 July 2026 following public protests and internal political friction.
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