Mykhailo Drapatyi will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine - Zelenskyy
Kyiv • UNN
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapatyi. This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reports UNN.
First, I have determined that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be Mykhailo Drapatyi. Together with Mykhailo, Yevhenii Khmara, and Pavlo Palisa, we have determined how the configuration of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be updated. The fact is that Oleksandr Syrskyi ensured Ukraine's results in the defense of Kyiv, in the Kharkiv offensive operation, and in the Kursk operation. A significant path has been covered, the defense of Ukraine continues, and a dignified attitude towards every warrior is needed. I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our warriors for Ukraine's strong front-line positions. I am grateful to Mykhailo Drapatyi for precisely such a vision
He added that together with Syrskyi and the Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, they discussed further formats of service and the proper handover of affairs.
Second, I determined with Mykhailo Drapatyi what tasks should be implemented in the near future and in the medium term. The operations of the Defense Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily. Ukraine's long-range sanctions plan, our mid-strike program, will be executed absolutely clearly
According to Zelenskyy, Drapatyi, Khmara, and other commanders who will be appointed must prepare and present for approval an updated defense strategy for the continuation of the corps system reform, fulfillment of requests from combat commanders, for the supply of weapons, for the supply of drones, and equipment, which were voiced these days both at the Staff meeting and in direct communication.
Close the sky from Russian strikes. Provide a real vision of the mobilization process - this is a priority
In addition, the head of state reported that he had a conversation with former Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov.
I offered Mykhailo a worthy position in the government, which would allow uniting the technological component of our state and ensuring its development. The security competence of Yevhenii Khmara, combat achievements, technological results, and deep strikes of "Alpha"... speak for themselves, and in the conditions of the system of government structures, this is needed
He added that tomorrow "all decisions will be formalized."
"It will be more difficult for russia," the President summarized.
Addition
Mykhailo Drapatyi is a Major General, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In 2014, when the russian armed aggression against Ukraine began, Major Drapatyi was the commander of the 2nd mechanized battalion of the 72nd separate mechanized brigade.
In the same year, Drapatyi was one of the first to liberate Mariupol from separatists. The brigade's soldiers entered the city on armored vehicles to reinforce units repelling the terrorist assault and to free hostages.
It was Drapatyi who made the legendary breakthrough in a BMP-2 through a separatist checkpoint in Mariupol.
At the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion - Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for troop training.
On March 17, 2022, he was appointed Deputy Commander of the troops of the Operational Command "South" and Commander of the Operational Group of Forces "South", whose efforts stopped the advance of russian occupiers on Kryvyi Rih.
On September 30, 2022, the Operational Group of Forces "Kakhovka" was reorganized into the Operational Group of Forces "Kryvyi Rih", which became part of the Operational Strategic Group of Forces "Kherson", created for the de-occupation of the city. Known as one of the commanders who led the liberation of the right bank of the Kherson region in 2022.
In February 2024, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff for military training.
In May 2024, after the start of a new offensive by the russian Armed Forces in the Kharkiv region and the creation of a threat to Vovchansk, he headed the Operational Tactical Group "Kharkiv", replacing Yurii Halushkin in this position.