Serksy Resigns: Young Reformist Takes Over as Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces

On July 21, Zelenskyy announced in his evening address the appointment of Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy, commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces, to succeed Alexander Syrskyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"I am certain that Mykhailo Drapatiy will assume the role of the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. I jointly worked with Mykhailo, Yevhenii Khmara (new Minister of Defense), and Pavlo Palisa (Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Defense Affairs) to finalize the reorganization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff."

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Syrskyi for organizing the defense of Kyiv, leading the Kharkiv counteroffensive, and directing the Kursk offensive, acknowledging his contributions to defending Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stated that he had already discussed follow-up assignments and transition arrangements with both Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Gnatov.

"I have established short- and medium-term tasks with Mykhailo Drapatiy. Operations by the Ukrainian Defense Forces will continue steadily. The long-range strike strategy and precision long-range strike plans will be fully implemented. Internal military handovers will proceed as orderly and institutionalized as possible, ensuring ongoing operations remain on track," he added.

On July 16, Ukraine’s Supreme Rada approved the new cabinet lineup, resulting in the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his position as Minister of Defense.

Following Fedorov’s departure, protests erupted in Kyiv and several other cities, with demonstrators calling for Fedorov to remain in office as Defense Minister. At the same time, public dissatisfaction with Syrskyi grew, with demands for his resignation.

There was widespread speculation that tensions between Syrskyi and Fedorov were a key factor behind Fedorov’s dismissal. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said that after separate meetings with both individuals, he would issue personnel decisions regarding the military.

According to the Financial Times, Zelenskyy proposed appointing Fedorov to another high-authority position, but Fedorov insisted on returning to the Ministry of Defense.

Syrskyi himself expressed surprise at rumors suggesting conflict between him and Fedorov. He also criticized Fedorov’s policies on conscription, salary distribution, and procurement contracts for new equipment.

Drapatiy, aged 43, is one of Ukraine’s youngest senior generals. He has been actively involved in combat since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2014. He has long served in the Donbas region, commanding troops in multiple hot zones; during the full-scale war in 2022, he played a crucial role.

In the early stages of the 2014 conflict, Drapatiy commanded a battalion within the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, stationed along the frontlines near Mariupol and Amvrosiivka. His unit participated in reclaiming parts of Donetsk Oblast and held positions under constant artillery fire.

After the full-scale war began, Drapatiy oversaw operations in eastern and southern Ukraine, later serving as Deputy Commander-in-Chief. In 2024, he became Commander of the Army. Subsequently, the Ukrainian Defense Forces established a new operational formation—the Joint Forces—where Drapatiy assumed command as its highest leader.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871374464951308/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author