Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed 43-year-old Major-General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces on Tuesday. The dismissal of the current commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, is the biggest change in the Ukrainian military leadership since the start of the Russian invasion, N1 reported.
The 60-year-old Syrsky has led the army since the beginning of 2024 and played a key role in the defence of Kyiv in the first days of the war. Some members of the military have recently criticised him for his rigid command style and heavy losses on the battlefield, and his dismissal has raised questions about divisions within Ukraine's defence leadership.
The decision came after days of protests sparked by changes in the government, including the dismissal of the reform-oriented Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, after six months in office. Among the protesters' demands was the removal of Syrsky.
Presenting the new commander, Zelensky stated that defensive operations must continue steadily and that the programme of medium-range strikes and pressure on Russia would be carried out with full precision.
Drapatyi wrote on Facebook that he would perform his new duties responsibly, with full focus and respect for those defending Ukraine.
The appointment was welcomed by Fedorov, whose return to the Ministry of Defence was one of the main demands of the protesters. Drapatyi was described as "a breath of fresh air and a new source of hope". Zelensky said he had offered Fedorov a new role related to the technological development of the state, but the former minister had previously stated he only wanted to return to his previous position.
