Volodymyr Zelensky appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukrainian army chief of staff

A reshuffle at the top of the Ukrainian army

On July 21, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces.

This decision follows several days of consultations with the high military command. Zelensky indicated that the decrees formalizing the departure of Oleksandr Syrskyi and the arrival of Drapatyi would be signed on July 22. The president emphasized that defense operations would continue without interruption, while reaffirming Ukraine’s determination to carry out long- and medium-range strikes against Russian infrastructure.

No new position has been announced for either man.

Protests and divisions within the army

The appointment of Drapatyi comes after a wave of protests in Kyiv, where soldiers, veterans, and civilians expressed their discontent. Fedorov, known for his commitment to technological innovation, particularly in the use of drones, had created tensions with Syrskyi, whose strategy was perceived as more conventional.

Some protesters voiced support for Drapatyi, seeing him as a figure capable of reconciling the different factions within the army. The protests reflected a divide between those advocating for accelerated modernization of the armed forces and those attached to more traditional methods.

A commander from a new generation

Aged 43, Mykhailo Drapatyi takes command of the armed forces after leading the Ukrainian joint forces. Unlike his predecessor, who was trained in Soviet military academies, Drapatyi received his education in an independent Ukraine.

In a message published after his appointment, Drapatyi paid tribute to Syrskyi for his work while reaffirming his commitment to serving the country. His profile, marked by a more modern approach to warfare, contrasts with that of Syrskyi, whose leadership had been criticized for a lack of flexibility and the human losses incurred under his command.

A still tense war context

Oleksandr Syrskyi, aged 60, had taken office as commander-in-chief in early 2024. He played a key role in the defense of Kyiv at the start of the Russian invasion, but his management style had eventually divided opinion. His replacement comes as Ukraine intensifies its strikes against Russian energy and logistical infrastructure, seeking to weaken Moscow’s military and economic capabilities.

While some question the impact of Fedorov’s departure on Ukrainian technological advancements, the appointment of Drapatyi could ease some of the internal tensions. It remains to be seen how this change will influence the conduct of the war in the coming months.

Key Points

• Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi.
• This decision follows protests in Kyiv and the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
• Drapatyi, 43, led the Ukrainian joint forces and is seen as an advocate for a more modern approach to warfare.
• Syrskyi, whose leadership had been criticized, played a key role in the defense of Kyiv in 2022.
• Ukraine continues its strikes against Russian infrastructure despite internal changes.

Sources

1. BBC Russian - "Зеленский объявил об отставке главкома ВСУ Александра Сырского. Вместо него будет назначен генерал Михаил Драпатый". (secondary)
2. France 24 - "Ukraine: Mykhailo Drapatyi named new commander-in-chief of the army". (secondary)
3. France 24 - "Mykhailo Drapatyi, the face of a new generation at the head of the Ukrainian army". (secondary)
4. ABC Australia - "Zelenskyy names new Ukrainian commander-in-chief". (secondary)
5. G1 Mundo - "Zelensky appoints new commander of the Armed Forces after defense minister’s departure". (secondary)

Transparency: 5 sources (0 primary, 5 secondary). Verification: July 23, 2026.

Truthyx - July 23, 2026