Mykhailo Drapatyi, aged 43, was appointed commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on July 21, 2026, succeeding 60-year-old Oleksandr Syrskyi [1, 2, 3, 4]. Drapatyi previously led Ukraine’s land forces from 2024 to 2025 and commanded joint forces operations in eastern Ukraine [2, 3, 5].
Drapatyi’s combat leadership dates back to 2014, when he gained recognition for a daring mission in Mariupol, ordering an infantry fighting vehicle to break through a barricade to rescue hostages amid fighting with pro-Russian separatists [1, 3, 6, 7]. He also completed advanced operational and strategic training in June 2021, receiving a sword of honour as top graduate from British instructors [1].
In June 2025, Drapatyi resigned as commander of the ground forces after a Russian missile strike killed 12 Ukrainian soldiers and wounded others, taking personal responsibility for the losses [1, 3, 7].
Drapatyi is seen as a younger, reform-minded leader representing a new generation compared to Syrskyi’s older, Soviet-style command approach [2, 3, 4, 8]. He publicly supported the dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and favors a tech-savvy, modernized military focusing on new technology and accountability [2, 5, 9, 6]. Drapatyi said, "I believe in the Ukrainian armed forces, which are capable of learning, developing technology, protecting people and allowing commanders to take responsibility for the outcome" [3].
Oleksandr Syrskyi faced criticism for a rigid command style blamed by some for high troop casualties, sparking protests demanding his removal following Fedorov's ousting [2, 4, 8]. Syrskyi said, "I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the defence but is also on the offensive — with initiative, with structure, with people who know how to beat the enemy" [4].
President Zelenskiy praised Syrskyi’s past contributions but emphasized the need for stronger leadership. He said, "The operations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily. Ukraine's plan for long-range sanctions and our program of middle-range strikes will be carried out with absolute precision" [2]. Zelenskiy has discussed future roles for Syrskyi but gave no details [2, 4].
Following Drapatyi’s appointment, Major General Ihor Skybiuk was named head of the General Staff [4]. Drapatyi acknowledged the need for change, stating, "If we fail to draw conclusions, to change our attitude toward service, to acknowledge our mistakes, we are doomed" [7].
