“I’m at War With Russia, Not the Ministry”: Syrskyi Responds After Five Days of Protests

Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has responded after five straight days of protests calling for his removal. In a statement, Syrskyi apologized to dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, saying he can be “harsh,” and argued he is fighting Russia, not the ministry. He disputed accusations about drone policy, saying unmanned forces were created under his command. Syrskyi also pointed to reform numbers, claiming around 2,000 soldiers signed new contracts after they were introduced.