WIESBADEN (Realist English). Ukraine’s Commander‑in‑Chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, publicly thanked the outgoing commander of the US Army in Europe and Africa, General Christopher Donahue, for his assistance in establishing and maintaining the American channel of military aid to Kyiv. The farewell ceremony for the four‑star general took place on July 2 at the Wiesbaden headquarters in Germany.
In his social media message, Syrskyi emphasised that their working cooperation “became something more than just a partnership.” He noted that Donahue had played a key role in supplying long‑range systems and strengthening Ukrainian air defence.
“In the most difficult moments of our war for freedom and independence, Chris Donahue proved himself not only as a military leader, but also as a man of word and honour,” Syrskyi wrote.
Donahue and Syrskyi had worked together since the first days of the Russian special military operation on Ukraine.
At that time, Syrskyi, leading the Ground Forces of Ukraine, directed the defence of Kyiv, while Donahue commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, redeployed to south‑eastern Poland. Over the years of war, their interaction only strengthened.
Departure Amid Pentagon Restructuring
Donahue’s departure took place under unusual circumstances. Information that the general had submitted his resignation papers appeared on June 23. His predecessor, General Darryl Williams, held this post for nearly two and a half years, whereas Donahue’s tenure lasted only 18 months.
According to several sources, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth personally requested the general’s resignation. No official explanation of the reasons for this decision was given. Pentagon Press Secretary Sean Parnell stated: “Generals and flag officers serve at the pleasure of the president and the secretary of defence.”
Donahue’s departure became part of a systemic purge of the highest command staff conducted by Hegseth.
Earlier, the defence secretary had already dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown, and other senior officers. Donahue, according to media reports, “incurred the wrath” of Hegseth.
Legacy of the ‘Last Soldier of Afghanistan’
Donahue was known as the “last American soldier” to leave Afghanistan in 2021. Over the years of service, he commanded elite units, including Delta Force, which participated in the elimination of the leader of the Islamic State (banned in Russia), Abu Bakr al‑Baghdadi. He was called “one of the most significant commanders of his generation.”
Having been one of the first senior officers to arrive in Europe after the start of the special military operation, Donahue played a decisive role in advising the Ukrainian armed forces in the first year of the war.
At the farewell ceremony, his deputy, Major General Christopher Norrie, took command on an interim basis.
Fragility of American Support
Donahue’s departure comes at a tense moment for US‑Ukrainian relations. The Trump administration had previously questioned the value of continuing support for Kyiv. As Military Times notes, the American general who built the system of military assistance to Ukraine has now left his post, and Syrskyi’s public gratitude shows that Kyiv is aware of what it is losing.
Donahue will go down in history as one of the most influential American military leaders behind the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His departure is not just a change of commander, but a symptom of deeper changes in Washington’s approach to the war in Ukraine.
