Zelenskyy has appointed a new commander-in-chief: Drapatiy is to replace Syrskyi
The Head of State announced this on his official Telegram channel.
Zelenskyy stated that the decision to replace the Commander-in-Chief had already been taken. However, the relevant decrees dismissing Syrskyi and appointing Drapatiy have not yet been published.
“I have decided that Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the president said.
According to Zelenskyy, together with Drapaty, Yevhen Khmara and Pavlo Palisa, he has also determined the future structure of the General Staff. The president did not specify exactly what personnel and structural changes are planned.
Zelenskyy promised to formalise all decisions on 22 July.
What will happen to Syrskyi
The President said he had already held talks with Oleksandr Syrskyi and General Andrii Hnatov. The parties discussed the handover of responsibilities and future arrangements for their service.
It is not yet known whether Syrskyi will remain within the Armed Forces or what position he might be offered.
Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his service and highlighted his role in the defence of Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive and the Ukrainian military’s operations in the Kursk region.
The President also stated that Syrskyi had helped to secure Ukraine’s strong positions on the front line.
Why Drapaty was chosen as Commander-in-Chief
Zelenskyy emphasised separately that, as the army undergoes further reform, it is essential to ensure that every service member is treated with respect. According to him, Mykhailo Drapatyi shares this approach.
Personnel decisions should strengthen the Ukrainian army and help create conditions under which Russia can be forced to make peace.
“Ukraine must emerge stronger from this situation, and things will be more difficult for Russia,” the president said.
Who is Mykhailo Drapatiy?
Mykhailo Drapatyi is a Major General in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In accordance with a presidential decree, on 3 June 2025 he was appointed Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Drapatiy previously headed the Land Forces. He began his military service in the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade and has been participating in the Russian-Ukrainian war since 2014.
Before announcing the new commander-in-chief, Zelenskyy met with Drapatiy and other Ukrainian commanders over the course of several days. During these discussions, they addressed the situation on the front line, defence strategy, the military’s needs and the further development of the corps system.
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