Zelenskyy names Major General Drapatyi Ukraine's new commander-in-chief
Photo: Mykhailo Drapatyi (Getty Images)
"I have decided that Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together with Mykhailo, Yevhen Khmara, and Pavlo Palisa, we have determined how the structure of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be reorganized," Zelenskyy said.
The president also said he spoke separately today with Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov about their future roles and ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities.
The decree has not yet been published on the president's official website.
What is known about Drapatyi
Mykhailo Drapatyi is a Ukrainian major general in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During Russia's full-scale invasion, he commanded several combat formations and was appointed commander of the Ground Forces in 2024.
Drapatyi resigned from that position after a series of Russian strikes on training grounds where Ukrainian troops were undergoing training.
Following his resignation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed him commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces.
Drapatyi is regarded as one of Ukraine's most prominent military commanders. He has been fighting Russian forces since 2014 and has led units across multiple sectors of the front.
Notably, Zelenskyy decided to dismiss Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi amid large-scale protests across Ukraine. Demonstrators have called for Syrskyi's replacement and for Fedorov to be reinstated as defense minister.
