Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was replaced as commander in chief of Ukrainian forces late on Tuesday, was a flint-hard, highly decorated military leader and one of the most significant figures of Ukraine’s war against Russia. But his strengths early in the war and his unyielding personality may ultimately have led to his political downfall.

Renowned for his role in the defense of Kyiv, the capital, at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, he gained the trust of President Volodymyr Zelensky and became commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces two years later, managing to hold the fight against Russia though grinding war with heavy armor and troops.

His departure signals the end of an era — a change of the Soviet-trained military old guard to a younger generation of commanders who have embraced technological innovation and collaborative leadership. The general oversaw an expansion of drone and robot warfare on the battlefield, but commanders and their supporters in the forefront of the fight have urged even faster development as key to defeating a powerful enemy.

His removal came after a dramatic disagreement with the former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who drove Ukraine’s innovative drone warfare. Mr. Fedorov, who complained that General Syrskyi was blocking the signing of military contracts for drones, was fired, setting off protests within the military and in the streets — with many of them demanding that General Syrskyi step down.

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