Ukrainian military reshuffle is a gamble for Zelensky

Significance

The appointment of General Oleksandr Syrsky as Zaluzhny's replacement and of other senior officers to the military command is the greatest political change in Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. It comes at a time when Kyiv faces mounting pressure on the battlefront and in securing external aid.

Impacts

• The change of military command will not significantly affect Kyiv’s relations with its Western supporters.
• Zaluzhny’s departure will minimise any dissent within the Zelensky administration but will encourage more active attacks by the opposition.
• If Zelensky’s approval ratings continue to fall, he could return to the idea of holding a wartime presidential election.