Ending Internal Conflicts and Rebuilding Military Authority: Restructuring of Ukraine’s Core Command Leadership

In late July 2026, Ukraine experienced its most intense military leadership overhaul since 2024. Following prolonged internal conflicts within the armed forces and large-scale public protests, President Zelenskyy issued a presidential decree to comprehensively restructure the highest command layer of the Armed Forces.

Currently, Ukraine’s core military command is primarily composed of the following three key figures:

1. New Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces: Mykhailo Drapati

At 43 years old, Drapati belongs to the younger generation of bold, reform-minded commanders in the Ukrainian military. He boasts extensive combat experience and has recently served as Commander of the Ukrainian Land Forces and Commander of the Joint Forces.

Drapati is a staunch advocate for modern, technology-driven warfare within the Ukrainian military. He is well-versed in traditional joint operations while strongly promoting the use of drones, electronic warfare, and other tactical innovations such as decentralized command structures.

Since taking office, Drapati must lead the formulation of an updated national defense strategy, advance the reform toward a corps-based military structure, accelerate arms and drone deliveries, and establish clearer mobilization plans.

2. New Chief of the General Staff: Ihor Skibyuk

At 49 years old, Skibyuk has long served in Ukraine’s Airborne Assault Forces, rising from a junior officer to commander of the unit. In June 2025, he served as Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

Skibyuk has long fought alongside the new Chief of Staff, Drapati, on the battlefield, resulting in high operational synergy. As an experienced commander, he will assist the Chief of Staff in managing the day-to-day operations and tactical execution of the General Staff.

3. Acting Minister of Defense: Yevhenii Khmelia

Following the dismissal of former Defense Minister Fedorov in mid-July, Khmelia, previously head of the Security Service, was appointed acting Minister of Defense. As a civilian leader, his primary responsibilities include defense policy, budgeting, arms procurement, and institutional reform. It remains uncertain whether former Defense Minister Fedorov will return to government in another capacity, or whether Khmelia will be confirmed permanently.

This latest leadership reshuffle marks a generational transition at the top echelon of Ukraine’s military. The pairing of new Chief of Staff Drapati and new Chief of the General Staff Skibyuk symbolizes Ukraine’s attempt to strike a balance between the “traditionalist faction” and the “technology-driven reformists,” moving toward an integrated military doctrine characterized by “traditional foundations enhanced by technological innovation.”

Drapati and Skibyuk have inherited a “hot potato.” They must walk a tightrope between “maintaining frontline stability” and “pushing through deep structural reforms.” If the corps-based reform is successfully implemented, Ukraine’s defensive resilience and counterattack efficiency could see a qualitative leap; however, if pushed too rapidly, it may cause breakdowns in command chains, potentially triggering serious tactical crises in the short term.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871466825493504/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.