Analysis-Replacing Ukraine's popular army chief is big gamble for Zelenskiy

Former Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi sings a national anthem during an award ceremony, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 9, 2024. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

KYIV (Reuters) - The sweeping military shakeup that replaced Ukraine's popular army chief this week throws up big political and military risks for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as the war with Russia heads towards its third year.

Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who led Ukraine's war effort through the darkest days of the full-scale invasion, was replaced on Thursday by ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, who is expected to present a new military team in the coming days.