Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed the nation's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, from his role.

The decision follows shortly after the departure of widely respected Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which sparked street demonstrations nationwide.

Early speculation linking Fedorov's exit to tensions with Syrskyi was quickly verified.

Fedorov, aged 35, earned praise for revitalising the ministry, modernising the armed forces and advancing anti-corruption efforts. Syrskyi, aged 60, is viewed by many Ukrainians as a traditional commander hesitant to pursue bold reforms.

In a farewell message on Telegram, Syrskyi defended his achievements: "An army that was fighting a difficult defensive campaign two years ago is now on the offensive."

"I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the line but is advancing. I sincerely hope this offensive will continue."

Syrskyi's replacement is Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a respected and experienced general.

"I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today," Drapatyi posted on Facebook.

He also expressed gratitude to Syrskyi "for his consistent work to strengthen the Ukrainian army," noting: "I grew up in it."

In a late Tuesday social media video, Zelensky praised Syrskyi's contributions, including his part in protecting Kyiv in the opening phase of Russia's 2022 invasion.

Zelensky disclosed that he had met Fedorov earlier that day and proposed a "worthy position in power," without confirming acceptance.

Fedorov was succeeded last week by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official from Ukraine's Security Service.

"All decisions will be formalised tomorrow," Zelensky stated in the post.

Meanwhile, Fedorov welcomed Drapatyi's appointment, calling it a "new hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice."

He described it as "the voice of change that could not be ignored."

Fedorov also noted he had contacted Syrskyi to express thanks for the defence of the Kyiv region and other key operations.

"But we need to move even faster and write new chapters correcting all previous mistakes," he added.

Appointed defence minister only in January, Fedorov gained recognition for applying data analysis to enhance frontline performance.

A former digital transformation minister, he established a volunteer "IT Army of Ukraine" early in the invasion to conduct cyber operations against Russia.

He later organised the successful Army of Drones fundraising effort and introduced gamification elements, creating a credit system for units that struck Russian targets.

Fedorov's removal led to six days of protests, increasing pressure on Zelensky to replace Syrskyi.

Zelensky responded by appointing Drapatyi, regarded as a younger and more forward-thinking leader, and reportedly a close associate of Fedorov.

Fedorov's endorsement of Drapatyi should help ease the recent political tensions.

Acting Defence Minister Khmara continues in the role for now. Zelensky has directed him and Drapatyi to develop a fresh defence plan addressing military reforms, equipment supplies and drone capabilities.

On Monday, Syrskyi wrote in an op-ed for the Militarny website about his ties with Fedorov: "I perceived our relationship as a working one. If I offended anyone, Mykhailo Albertovych [Fedorov], I'm sorry."

He emphasised that military contracts, procurement and mobilisation involve greater complexity than commonly understood.

"Decisions on which people's lives depend are not made with slogans," he said. "Real work, not the public drama surrounding it, wins the war."

Protesters continue to seek Fedorov's return to a position of influence to advance innovation against Russia.

Securing such a role for him would allow Zelensky to address immediate fallout, though many remain critical of the initial decision.