Syrsky, 60, had served in the role since 2024 and was among Ukraine’s most experienced commanders, having led the defence of Kiev at the start of Russia’s full-scale war in 2022.
His removal came after days of protests in support of ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who accused Syrsky of forcing him out and stalling his attempt to reform the military.
In other developments, another attack on the warehouses of Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, injured several people, said the head and co-founder of the company Tatyana Kim on Wednesday.
A previous strike by Ukrainian drones on Saturday killed eight workers, sparked fires and disrupted operations at Wildberries.
“There are no words to describe all the feelings and emotions caused by the attacks on ordinary people, on our employees, on all of us who are simply doing our jobs,” Kim said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.
