Brigade Commanders Directed to Film Messages Supporting Syrskyi

Volunteer and activist Serhiy Sternenko said that commanders of Ukrainian brigades were ordered to record video messages expressing support for Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The claim was later confirmed to Ukrainska Pravda by several anonymous sources within the Defense Forces.

According to Sternenko, brigade commanders received the order on the morning of July 18 and were instructed to publish the videos by 5:00 p.m. One military source told Ukrainska Pravda that, within the Airborne Assault Forces, the directive came from the branch’s command. Another source said brigade communications units were tasked with producing the videos.

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The order comes amid criticism of the military leadership and longstanding concerns over pressure on officers. According to multiple military sources, commanders who refuse or openly oppose orders from Sirskyi risk disciplinary measures, removal from command, or reassignment.

Similar campaign reported in the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Earlier, commanders of National Guard corps publicly expressed support for Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, who had been reported as a potential candidate to head the Ministry of Defense. In a public statement, they said Klymenko had already made a significant contribution to Ukraine’s defense effort as interior minister and possessed the experience necessary to lead the ministry.

Background

On July 16, demonstrations were held outside the Presidential Office in Kyiv and in several other Ukrainian cities in support of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Protesters called on the government to retain Fedorov in the new cabinet and opposed reports that Klymenko could become defense minister.

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Commenting on the planned changes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged disagreements between Fedorov and General Syrskyi and said problems on the battlefield, within brigades, and with mobilization remained unresolved.

Zelenskyy later announced that he would nominate Yevheniy Khmara, the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), to serve as defense minister.

On July 17, protests continued for a second consecutive day in Kyiv and several other cities following Fedorov’s resignation. Demonstrators demanded his reinstatement and called for the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.