Ihor Skybyuk is to become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
This was announced by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President described Skibyuk as an experienced military officer who, alongside the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapati, had defended Ukraine.
According to Zelenskyy, the sequence of further personnel changes has already been determined. The President emphasised that, following the leadership reshuffle, all components of the Ukrainian army must continue to work in unison.
Skibyuk will replace Major-General Andriy Hnatov as Chief of the General Staff. The day before, Zelenskyy also announced that Mykhailo Drapatiy would become Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Separately, the President stated that, together with the military leadership, he had determined the future roles for Syrskyi and Gnativ. The specific posts that may be offered to them have not yet been disclosed.
What is known about Ihor Skybyuk
Prior to his forthcoming appointment, Skibyuk held the post of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He holds the rank of Major-General and is a Hero of Ukraine.
Previously, Skibyuk commanded the 80th Separate Galician Airborne Assault Brigade. He subsequently became Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Airborne Assault Forces.
In February 2024, he was appointed Commander of the Air Assault Forces. Units under his command took part in combat operations during the full-scale war. Biographical information about Skibyuk is published on the official website of the Airborne Assault Forces.
Skibyuk subsequently transferred to the General Staff. In his role as Deputy Chief of the General Staff, he was responsible, in particular, for the training of military personnel and the improvement of training centres.
Changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The personnel changes involve the simultaneous replacement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Chief of the General Staff. Mykhailo Drapatiy is set to replace Oleksandr Syrskyi, whilst Ihor Skybyuk is set to replace Andriy Hnatov.
The Commander-in-Chief is responsible for the overall military command of the Armed Forces, whilst the Chief of the General Staff organises the work of the General Staff, as well as the planning and management of the troops. Official documents regarding these personnel decisions are expected on 22 July.
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