UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked General Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces on Tuesday and named his replacement, following days of mass protests across the nation demanding his removal.

It was the second major change he has made under street pressure, after protests last summer forced him to undo a law weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs.

Mykhailo Drapatyi is the new army chief, according to a statement on social media. 

It comes days after the removal of popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov — a move that triggered street protests across the country. Rumours suggested that the end of Mr Fedorov’s tenure was related to a conflict between him and Gen Syrskyi.

“Our shared wish is one — victory over the enemy and conditions at the front and in pressure on Russia that would force Russia toward peace,” Mr Zelensky said.

He thanked Gen Syrskyi for his achievements in Ukraine’s fight against Russia and praised him for the defence of Kiev and for operations in Kharkiv and Kursk.

“I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine’s strong front-line positions,” he said.

Mr Zelensky met separately with Mr Fedorov on Tuesday and offered him what he called a respected position in the government that would unify the country’s technology sector. 

It wasn’t clear if Mr Fedorov accepted the offer or whether the latest moves would satisfy protesters and calm the streets.