KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, placing one of the country’s most respected battlefield commanders at the helm of its military amid the ongoing war with Russia. The appointment follows the dismissal of General Oleksandr Syrskyi after days of public criticism and protests over military leadership.
Drapatyi first gained national recognition in 2014 during the fighting in Mariupol when he led an armored infantry fighting vehicle through Russian-backed separatist barricades to relieve Ukrainian forces trapped inside the city. Footage of the dramatic breakthrough became one of the defining images of Ukraine’s early resistance following Russia’s intervention in eastern Ukraine.
The 43-year-old officer has since built a reputation as one of Ukraine’s most capable commanders. Over his 26-year military career, Drapatyi has commanded troops in several of the country’s most critical battles and has been credited with helping halt Russian advances near Kharkiv in 2024 while championing reforms aimed at modernizing the Ukrainian military.
According to Ukrainian officials, Drapatyi represents a new generation of military leadership shaped by years of frontline combat against Russian forces. He has been widely praised for emphasizing accountability, innovation, and decentralized command, while encouraging greater integration of modern battlefield technologies such as drones.
His appointment comes during a broader shake-up of Ukraine’s military leadership as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its defense strategy amid continued Russian attacks. President Zelenskyy said the changes are intended to improve battlefield effectiveness, military procurement, and the country’s overall defense capabilities.
In his first remarks after assuming the post, Drapatyi pledged to lead with responsibility and determination while continuing efforts to reform Ukraine’s armed forces and strengthen the country’s defense against Russia