KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as commander-in-chief of the country’s military after days of street protests demanded major changes in wartime leadership.
Drapatyi, 43, replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, in the biggest shake-up of Ukraine’s military command since Russia launched its full-scale war. He is widely seen as part of a younger generation of commanders shaped by more than a decade of fighting Russian forces.
Zelenskiy introduced Drapatyi on Tuesday and said Ukraine’s military operations would continue with precision, including long-range strikes on Russia’s energy sector and logistics network.
“The operations of the Ukrainian Defence Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily,” Zelenskiy said.
The appointment follows a political crisis triggered by last week’s government reshuffle and the dismissal of reformist Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that angered protesters and raised concerns among analysts.
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Syrskyi played an important role in defending Kyiv during the early phase of the war and had served as commander-in-chief since early 2024. However, he faced criticism from some troops and activists over what they described as a rigid command style and high battlefield losses.
Drapatyi said he would work responsibly and with respect for those defending Ukraine.
Fedorov welcomed the appointment, calling it “a breath of fresh air” and a sign that calls for change could no longer be ignored. Zelenskiy said he had offered Fedorov a senior role overseeing the state’s technological component.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on technology, drones and long-range strikes to pressure Russia as the war enters its fifth year.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s goal remained to defeat Russian forces and create conditions that could force Moscow toward peace.
