Navy and Assault Forces commanders support Syrskyi amid protests demanding his dismissal

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that on July 18-19, commanders of Ukraine’s Navy and Air Assault Forces publicly supported Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi amid mass protests across Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine demanding President Volodymyr Zelensky dismiss him. The protests followed Zelensky’s recent dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov earlier this week.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa condemned doubts about the Ukrainian army during wartime as "unacceptable," emphasizing that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain firmly stable despite internal criticism. Neizhpapa, a 34-year veteran, stated that only the president can evaluate Syrskyi’s performance and warned that inciting division during wartime plays into Russia’s interests.

Similarly, Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol defended Syrskyi’s leadership, stressing the importance of a clear chain of command and the personal responsibility of commanders in making difficult decisions involving soldiers’ lives. Apostol criticized public accusations against senior military leadership, especially from individuals without combat command experience.

Known from the source

• Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa publicly defended the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Syrskyi on July 18-19.
• Air Assault Forces Commander Oleh Apostol also expressed support for Syrskyi and the military chain of command.
• Mass protests in Kyiv and across Ukraine are calling for Syrskyi’s firing following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
• Serhii Sternenko accused Syrskyi of covering friendly-fire incidents and weakening some brigades during combat.
• Zelensky spoke with senior military officers including Joint Forces commander Mykhailo Drapatyi and is reportedly considering Syrskyi’s dismissal.

What remains unclear

The Kyiv Independent also highlights ongoing criticism of Syrskyi, including from prominent activist Serhii Sternenko, who accused him of covering up friendly-fire incidents and weakening some brigades. Sternenko’s claims included a failed assault on the Pokrovsk front involving troops under the suspended commander Yurii Harkavyi without notifying neighboring units, allegedly contributing to casualties.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of friendly-fire incident details and casualty figures as claimed by Sternenko. Independent confirmation of alleged weakening of mechanized brigades versus priority given to Assault Forces. Official response or comment from the Ukrainian General Staff regarding accusations and leadership support.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.