By the decree of the President of Ukraine dated 18 November 2009, he was appointed to the post of Chief of the General Staff.

On 29 May 2010, he resigned, declaring that he recognized "the right of the president to implement his vision of the ways of development of the Armed Forces."

"As an officer and a responsible person, I am ready to work in difficult conditions to strengthen the country's defense.

In the current situation, I recognize the right of the President to realize his vision of the ways of development of the Armed Forces.

Ivan Svyda also expressed dissatisfaction with the financing of the Ukrainian Ground Forces by the Mykola Azarov cabinet.