Who is the new head of Ukraine’s army, Oleksandr Syrsky?

NEW DELHI: As the country continues to repel Russia’s invasion, Ukraine made a crucial appointment by appointing Oleksandr Syrsky as its new head of state. The 58-year-old was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, taking Valery Zaluzhny’s place amid rumors of a major change in military command at a time of conflict.

Syrsky has played a significant role in shaping Ukraine’s military policy. He is credited for protecting Kyiv from Russian soldiers and foiling the Kremlin’s original intentions for an invasion. Zelenskyy granted Syrsky the Hero of Ukraine title, the highest accolade in the country, for his “personal courage” and noteworthy services to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Russia’s abortive effort to seize the country’s capital.
The Autumn 2022 counter-offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv area was a noteworthy operation led by him that resulted in a big success for Ukraine by forcing Russian troops to retire and regaining substantial regions.
Syrsky does not have the same position as a national hero as his predecessor Zaluzhny, despite his accomplishments. According to a study conducted in December 2023, 48% of Ukrainians were unaware of him. Syrsky’s leadership style is characterized by a low-key attitude and a predilection for formal communications, setting him apart from the more charismatic personalities in Ukraine’s political and military spheres.
But Syrsky’s dedication to serving on the front lines is clear; army spokeswoman Illia Yevlash has noted Syrsky’s frequent trips to the front lines. Critics have questioned his empathy for military casualties, seeing him as a commander who puts goals before of everything else.
Syrsky has a long military history; he was born in Soviet Russia in 1965 and served in Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union. He has led the 72nd Mechanized Brigade and participated in NATO-Ukraine cooperation. He has been a commander in the eastern Donbas area since 2014, and he has been instrumental in the fight against troops supported by Russia.
Five facts about Oleksandr Syrsky
Early life: Syrsky, who was born in 1965 in the Vladimir area of Russia, has been in Ukraine since the 1980s. He finished his military training in Moscow, which is consistent with the background of some of his Russian colleagues.
The feline of the snow: A key player in the fight with Russia, especially in the Donetsk and Luhansk areas, Syrsky, also known by the call sign “Snow Leopard,” has led Ukraine’s ground troops since 2019.
Important wins: During the continuing battle, his leadership was crucial in protecting Kyiv and carrying out a counteroffensive close to Kharkiv.
Bakhmut defense: Under Syrsky’s leadership, Russia successfully defended Bakhmut from invasion, but the conflict resulted in a significant number of losses.
Troops’ morale: Syrsky is renowned for his commitment to visiting soldiers at the front and keeping a strict personal routine that includes frequent trips to the gym. Syrsky places a high priority on the morale of his soldiers. Married, he has two boys.
Syrsky’s strategic insight and leadership will be essential to Ukraine’s continuous defensive measures against Russian aggression as the country navigates the complexity of conflict.