Brigadier General Sergey Sobko, chief of staff of the 11th Army Corps, has warned that Ukraine’s military command structure is growing increasingly rigid and ineffective, risking defeat in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Sobko’s remarks echo those made by former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who was controversially dismissed by Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy earlier this week—a move that triggered mass protests across Ukraine.

In a recent post, Sobko stated that the Ukrainian military is “in urgent need of reform,” noting that professional discussion is often perceived as disloyalty and initiative as a threat. He also criticized the promotion of commanders based on “personal loyalty” to superiors rather than competence and professionalism, highlighting a trend toward micromanagement and downplaying failures in reports.

Sobko’s criticisms align with Fedorov’s account that he was at loggerheads with Ukraine’s top military commander, Aleksandr Syrsky. At a press conference Thursday, Fedorov alleged that Syrsky blocked his efforts to modernize the army and adopt more technology-oriented practices, and claimed Syrsky made an ultimatum to Zelenskiy demanding Fedorov’s removal.

The dismissal of Fedorov has sparked protests in Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators calling for both his reinstatement and Syrsky’s dismissal. An anonymous senior defense official reportedly stated that “Syrsky hasn’t got a sense of how he’s going to win,” describing the commander’s “theory of victory” as holding out indefinitely and mobilizing more people.

According to sources within Zelenskiy’s administration, the president is considering firing Syrky, with military commanders being consulted for potential replacements. Over the course of the conflict, Syrsky has earned the nickname “the Butcher” for his perceived willingness to disregard heavy casualties.