Zelensky Swaps Military Chief as Peace Signals Emerge

Zelensky replaced Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, 60, with Drapatyi, 43, on July 22, 2026 — days after telling parliament he would reinvigorate peace talks and that "decisions regarding the army will be worked out." The timing suggests a coordinated reassessment of Ukraine's military and political strategy as the war enters its fifth year.