Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed his Soviet-trained army chief Oleksandr Syrsky following a political crisis triggered by the removal of a popular, young and tech-savvy defence minister.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked army chief Oleksandr Syrsky, appointing Mykhailo Drapaty in his place amid a political crisis. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

July 21 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Tuesday following days of protests.

Public demonstrations in Ukraine have entered a new phase as protesters intensify pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky over recent changes in the country's military leadership. Another rally was held in Kyiv on July 20, with organizers demanding that former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov be restored to his post and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi removed instead.

His removal comes after protests in support of ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who accused Oleksandr Syrsky of forcing him out.