Ukrainian public figure and volunteer Serhiy Sternenko reported on Monday that Oleksandr Syrskyi is no longer the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In a Telegram post, Sternenko wrote: «Syrskyi is no longer the commander-in-chief.» The statement quickly circulated online, drawing attention amid ongoing public pressure on military leadership.
Shortly after Sternenko's post, an ironic response appeared on Syrskyi's official Telegram channel. The message read: «Sternenko is no longer a rapper. 1:1,» referencing the initial claim in a dismissive tone. The exchange has fueled speculation but lacks official confirmation from Ukrainian authorities.
As of now, no presidential decree or official statement from the Ukrainian government has confirmed Syrskyi's dismissal. The absence of an official announcement means the situation remains unverified at the state level. Sternenko's report is based on his own sources, but the chain of command has not publicly addressed the matter.
The report comes against a backdrop of public criticism and demands for Syrskyi's resignation. In recent weeks, some Ukrainian politicians and commentators have called for changes in military leadership, citing battlefield setbacks and strategic disagreements. However, no direct causal link between this pressure and Sternenko's announcement has been established.
Syrskyi was appointed commander-in-chief in February 2024, replacing Valerii Zaluzhnyi amid a broader reshuffle of Ukraine's military command. His tenure has been marked by intense fighting along the front lines, including defensive operations in the east and a controversial incursion into Russia's Kursk region. The general has faced both praise for tactical decisions and criticism for high casualties.
Serhiy Sternenko is a well-known activist and former leader of the Right Sector youth wing in Odesa. He gained prominence during the Euromaidan protests and has since been a vocal critic of corruption and a supporter of military reforms. His Telegram channel has a large following, making his posts influential in Ukrainian public discourse.
The Ukrainian government has not commented on Sternenko's claim. Presidential spokesperson Serhiy Nykyforov did not immediately respond to requests for clarification. The Defense Ministry also declined to confirm or deny the report, stating that it does not comment on unverified information.
If confirmed, Syrskyi's removal would mark the second change in Ukraine's top military command in less than a year. It would also signal a potential shift in strategy amid the ongoing war with Russia. Analysts note that such a decision would likely be made by President Zelenskyy in consultation with senior defense officials.
Public reaction on social media has been mixed. Some users expressed support for Sternenko's report, while others dismissed it as unsubstantiated. The ironic reply from Syrskyi's channel has added to the confusion, with many interpreting it as a denial or a joke.
Until an official announcement is made, the status of Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief remains formally unchanged. The Ukrainian public and international observers are awaiting clarity from the presidential office or the General Staff.
