General Oleksandr Syrskyi

The General who divides opinion

Hello All,

Im just sending out this short piece on General Oleksandr Syrskyi. For those of you who haven’t seen the news over the last few hours earlier today President Zelensky relieved General Zaluzhny as C in C of the Ukrainan Armed Forces, and Syrskyi was named as his replacement. I have to say I was a little surprised by the choice and its already caused real controversy (unsurprisingly to anyone who has visited Ukraine or talked to Ukrainians). Syrskyi divided opinion like no other military figure in Ukraine, and his appointment is a risky move by Zelensky.

General Syrskyi and President Zelensky earlier in the war

I will not take an opinion on the appointment here—as I personally dislike treating generals like celebrities or sports stars. What I will do is try and give you the view I was given by Syrskyi’s detractors and supporters, so that you can see why the move is so controversial and is causing such talk. I will then add a little context at the end.

The Supporters