Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Lieutenant General Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, marking a significant leadership change in the country's military command. The decision, revealed in a statement by Zelenskyy, comes as Ukraine continues to defend against Russian aggression and seeks to strengthen its military strategy.
In his announcement, Zelenskyy stated: «I have decided that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapatyi. Together with Mykhailo, Yevhenii Khmaro, and Pavlo Palisa, we have determined how the configuration of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be renewed.» The president emphasized that the formalization of all decisions is expected to take place tomorrow, with the transition of responsibilities to be handled properly.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to outgoing Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi for his service, highlighting his key achievements in defending Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive operation, and the Kursk operation. «A significant path has been traveled, the defense of Ukraine continues, and every warrior deserves proper respect. I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and every one of our warriors for Ukraine's strong front-line positions,» Zelenskyy said.
The president also thanked Drapatyi for his vision and leadership. The change in command comes as Ukraine faces ongoing challenges on the battlefield, with the need to adapt to evolving threats and maintain pressure on Russian forces. Zelenskyy noted that discussions with Syrskyi and Andrii Hnatov have focused on future service formats and the proper handover of responsibilities.
Mykhailo Drapatyi, a lieutenant general with extensive combat experience, has previously served as the commander of the Khortytsia operational-strategic group of troops and has been involved in key operations, including the defense of Kyiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive. His appointment is seen as part of a broader effort to refresh the military leadership and enhance operational effectiveness.
Zelenskyy underscored the ultimate goal of the leadership change: «The desire for all of us is victory over the enemy and achieving such conditions on the front and in pressure on Russia that would allow us to force Russia to peace. From this situation, Ukraine must emerge stronger, and it will be more difficult for Russia.»
The announcement has drawn attention from international observers, as Ukraine's military command structure plays a critical role in coordinating Western-supplied weapons and planning future operations. The transition is expected to proceed smoothly, with Syrskyi likely taking on a new role within the defense establishment.
This leadership change occurs amid ongoing fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine, where Russian forces have maintained pressure. The appointment of Drapatyi signals a continued focus on adaptive command and the integration of lessons learned from recent operations. The formal decree is anticipated tomorrow, pending approval by the president.
