Zelenskyy’s new military chief has played key roles in big Ukraine wins, including Kyiv’s defense

By SAMYA KULLAB
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The man Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named to lead the country’s military has played a key role in some of Ukraine’s biggest victories in its war with Russia, including overseeing the successful defense of the capital in the early days of the invasion. Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrski, who had been commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, took over the head job Thursday at a challenging time. With the war poised to enter its third year, morale is low, the military is facing shortages of ammunition and personnel, and Kyiv is struggling to maintain support from the West. The choice of Syrski is hardly a surprise, as few in the Ukrainian military have the experience and know-how to fill the role.