Zelensky tested front-line resilience before replacing Syrskyi with Drapatyi

Volodymyr Zelensky was preparing to replace Oleksandr Syrskyi. The president personally checked whether the front would "fall apart" after the change of commander-in-chief.

Check before the transfer of power

According to sources, the July meetings between the head of state and the commanders of corps and formations could have been a kind of test of the future transfer of military power. It was preparation for replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi.

One senior source in military circles explained that Syrskyi had built a system in which "everything is tied to him". Therefore, it was important for the president to understand whether a management crisis would arise after the change of commander-in-chief.

Details of talks with commanders

Zelensky questioned the commanders about the front, logistics, and staffing. At the same time, he did not offer them Syrskyi's position.

Sources claim that Syrskyi "eliminated any competition" around him. In particular, he reduced the functions of the Joint Forces Command for Mykhailo Drapatyi, while turning Andrii Hnatov into an ally.