Zelensky Appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as New Head of Armed Forces
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces. Drapatyi, one of Ukraine's youngest generals, has served since 2014 and fought in Donbas and during the 2022 full-scale invasion.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the Ukrainian armed forces. Drapatyi is one of the youngest generals in the country, having served throughout the war with Russia since early 2014. He fought in Donbas, commanded units in the hottest spots, and played a key role during the 2022 full-scale invasion.
The appointment comes against the backdrop of the previous commander's resignation, which was accompanied by protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Protesters called for support for Fedorov in the position and expressed dissatisfaction with Sirskyi. The media actively discussed a possible conflict between Sirskyi and Fedorov as a reason for the latter's dismissal.
The Financial Times noted that Zelensky offered Fedorov another position with broad powers, but Fedorov wants to return only to the Ministry of Defense. Sirskyi, meanwhile, said he was surprised by the information about a conflict with Fedorov and criticized Fedorov for new contracts, mobilization, and wage redistribution.
At the start of Russian aggression in 2014, Drapatyi commanded a battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade that defended Mariupol and positions near Amvrosiivka. His unit participated in battles to liberate part of Donetsk region and held their positions under constant shelling.
