In a column for Militarnyi, Syrskyi wrote: ‘It was a surprise for me to learn that there was a conflict between me and the minister. I considered our relationship a working relationship – with difficult questions and different positions. That is how it should be between two institutions during a major war.’ He added: ‘If I have offended anyone in any way: Mykhailo Albertovych, forgive me. I can be tough. But I ask you and everyone who is now following this story with enthusiasm: Let us focus not on the personal, but on the global. On victory.’
Syrskyi stressed that reducing the war to a personal confrontation between two individuals would be ‘the greatest favor we can do for the enemy.’ He defended his strategic role and rejected accusations of lacking a strategy. The strategy is presented to the commander-in-chief, and its results are visible at the front. He also criticized the idea that a million-strong army can be run via messengers like WhatsApp – it is managed through staffs, orders, and the responsibility of commanders on the ground.
Since July 16, protests have been taking place in Kyiv and other cities demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement and Syrskyi’s dismissal. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Fedorov and Syrskyi could not find common ground and that problems at the front, in the brigades, and with mobilization remained unresolved. On July 18, Zelenskyy promised after talks with both to work out ‘solutions for the army.’ Activists are preparing another rally in Kyiv for July 20.
Source: www.pravda.com.ua
