How Ukraine’s leadership crisis impacts the war

President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked his defence minister and army chief after a bitter struggle over Ukraine’s military strategy triggered widespread street protests.

Natia Seskuria of RUSI examines the clash between reformers and the old guard, and the consequences for Zelensky’s democratic reputation. Could this upheaval at the top change the course of the war with Russia?

Should Zelensky reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as minister of defence? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk

Chapters:

00:00 – Zelensky's Political Crisis

01:42 – Why Zelensky Fired Mykhailo Fedorov and Oleksandr Syrskyi

08:56 – Civilian Control vs. Military Command in Ukraine

14:37 – RUSI Expert Natia Seskuria on Kyiv's Power Struggle

32:13 – Listener Q&A: The Red Sea Crisis and China's Role in Djibouti

Guest: Natia Seskuria, Head of Russia and Eurasia Programme at RUSI

Hosts: General Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn

Patrick brings his experience as a former head of the British Army to the podcast. He is also a Conservative peer and advises the party on defence.