Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the country's new commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The decision forms part of a broader structural overhaul of the military leadership aimed at modernizing command frameworks and streamlining frontline operations.
Zelenskyy confirmed that he held consultations regarding the General Staff's restructuring with Drapatyi, acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa. The President expressed gratitude to outgoing commander-in-chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commending his leadership during key campaigns, including the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv counteroffensive, and the Kursk operation. Zelenskyy noted that discussions were held with Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov to arrange a coordinated transition and determine their future roles.
Drapatyi, an experienced field commander who previously led the Ground Forces, the Kharkiv Operational and Tactical Grouping, and most recently the Joint Forces, assumes the top post with a mandate to update Ukraine's defense strategy and refine the mobilization process. Officials emphasized that ongoing military operations and long-range strike programs will continue without interruption as the administrative changes take effect.
