Ukraine appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as new commander-in-chief

President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Lieutenant General Mykhailo Drapatyi as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, making him the third holder of the post since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. The decision follows Drapatyi’s resignation as head of land troops after a missile strike on a training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region that killed 12 soldiers and wounded 60, which he said reflected his sense of personal responsibility.

Drapatyi’s military career spans more than a decade of combat experience in eastern Ukraine. He first gained public attention in May 2014 when his battalion entered Mariupol to free hostages held by pro-Russian separatists, later describing his decision to storm the police department as a turning point. He has since led several temporary task forces that pushed Russian forces back from Kryvyi Rih and helped liberate settlements in the Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions. In 2021 he completed advanced operational training and received a sword of honour from the British ambassador.

Civil-society groups and members of the armed forces have expressed support for Drapatyi, citing his reputation for competence and his rapport with soldiers who joined after 2022. Analysts note that his new role will involve navigating complex relationships with the president’s office, Western partners, and the military procurement system, as well as addressing manpower mobilisation and corruption within the ranks.

In his first public statement as commander-in-chief, Drapatyi acknowledged the challenges ahead and pledged to act responsibly, without making “loud promises,” and to respect the personnel on the front line. Observers expect his leadership to differ from that of his predecessor, whose tactics were criticised for prioritising offensive operations over troop welfare.