Zelenskyy names Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the country’s new commander-in-chief of the armed forces on Tuesday, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi as part of a sweeping overhaul of the military’s senior leadership.

Leadership transition

Zelenskyy announced the decision on Telegram following discussions with Drapatyi, acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa regarding structural changes to the General Staff. “It is a fact that Oleksandr Syrskyi delivered results for Ukraine in the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive operation, and the Kursk operation,” Zelenskyy said, praising the outgoing commander. “A significant path has been travelled, Ukraine’s defense continues, and every soldier deserves proper respect,” he added.

Drapatyi’s battlefield record

Drapatyi brings extensive frontline experience to the post, having previously served as commander of Ukraine’s ground forces and led the Kharkiv Operational and Tactical Grouping during critical phases of the conflict. He commanded units in eastern Ukraine and was closely associated with Kyiv’s 2024 incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, an operation that marked a significant escalation in cross-border warfare. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy appointed him to lead the Joint Forces as part of the ongoing leadership changes.

Strategic objectives

Zelenskyy said the appointments and related decisions would be formalized on Tuesday, noting that he had discussed the transition process with both Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov. “Ukraine must emerge from this situation stronger, and it must become more difficult for Russia,” he stated.