Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Syrskyi has not surrendered his Russian passport. Budanov may use this fact to push for reshuffles in the military leadership

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has found himself at the center of a scandal following reports that he holds a Russian passport. This revelation has raised serious questions within the Ministry of Defense and intelligence circles and could lead to significant shifts in Ukraine’s military and political landscape.

Sources indicate that the Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, may use this information to push for Syrskyi’s resignation. The alleged possession of foreign citizenship by a high-ranking military leader has sparked concerns both within military leadership and among the public.

The controversy has also prompted discussions about the need to investigate all high-ranking officials for foreign citizenship. Syrskyi has not yet issued an official comment on the matter.

If Syrskyi resigns, and responsibilities within the Ministry of Defense are redistributed, it is expected that Andriy Poklad, Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), could be appointed to a key position. Poklad is considered a leading candidate for a senior role in Ukraine’s intelligence operations.

Experts note that Poklad’s potential transfer to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense could strengthen the intelligence structure, given his extensive experience in countering internal and external threats. However, no official decisions or statements have been made by the country’s leadership regarding these developments.

The passport scandal may serve as a catalyst for widespread reshuffling within Ukraine’s security leadership. Some analysts speculate that these changes could reflect an effort to tighten control over key agencies amid the ongoing conflict.

Further clarifications and statements from officials are anticipated in the coming days. The situation remains tense, and its outcome could significantly impact Ukraine’s military and political stability.