Mykhailo Drapatyi Replaces Syrskyi As Ukraine’s New Military Commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as the country’s new commander-in-chief of the armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrsky amid political and military tensions. The 43-year-old military officer takes charge at a critical stage of the war with Russia, with expectations that he will continue efforts to modernise Ukraine’s military structure and improve battlefield effectiveness.

Drapaty is a career soldier who built his military career within Ukraine’s post-Soviet independent defence system. He gained national recognition in 2014 during fighting against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, when a video showing him commanding an infantry vehicle that broke through a barricade in Mariupol went viral. The incident became a symbol of Ukrainian military resistance during the early stages of the conflict.

During the fighting against Moscow-backed forces, Drapaty was credited with helping recapture several settlements and preventing his unit from being surrounded. His battlefield experience and leadership style helped establish his reputation within the military. Ukrainian media have reported that Drapaty is married and has children, although he has generally maintained a low public profile compared with other senior commanders.

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Drapaty has also been associated with efforts to reform Ukraine’s armed forces. In June 2025, he resigned from his position as commander of ground forces following Russian attacks on Ukrainian training facilities, saying the military needed to acknowledge mistakes and improve its approach. Analysts viewed the decision as a sign of personal accountability and commitment to institutional change.

After moving to lead Ukraine’s joint forces command, Drapaty continued advocating for changes within the military system. He has argued that the army requires new rules and a transformation in its internal structure. His appointment has been welcomed by several supporters who see him as a modernising figure capable of addressing long-standing problems within the defence establishment.

However, Drapaty faces significant challenges as Ukraine continues its war with Russia. The military has been dealing with issues including mobilisation difficulties, concerns over the treatment of soldiers, shortages in some units and internal disagreements among political and defence leaders. While supporters have described his appointment as a fresh opportunity for reform, analysts warn that expectations are extremely high as he takes responsibility for Ukraine’s armed forces during a difficult period.

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