Appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as Leader of Combined Armed Forces of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has tapped Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander of the Joint Forces. According to a statement by Zelenskyy, Drapatyi will focus all his attention on combat matters.
In a related development, Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced that a new individual is about to be appointed in the Ground Forces, with responsibilities revolving around recruitment, mobilization, training, and devising new approaches. However, Umierov didn't disclose the name or the expected appointment date for this new recruit.
Notably, Drapatyi stepped down on June 1, following a missile attack on a Ukrainian Ground Forces training unit that claimed at least 12 lives and injured more than 60. He resigned, admitting his inability to ensure his orders were executed fully as the commander.
Following his resignation, Drapatyi mentioned that he had spoken with President Zelenskyy and received a new assignment from him, leading to speculations that he might remain in service after all[1][2][3].
[1] Ukrainska Pravda. (2025, June 4). New person to be appointed in Ground Forces of Ukraine – Minister Umierov. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/06/4/7318568/
[2] Ukrinform. (2025, June 4). Zelenskyy appoints Drapatyi commander of Joint Forces. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense_security/3356527-zelenskyi-appoints-drapatyi-commander-of-joint-forces.html
[3] Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. (2025, June 4). Zelenskiy Appoints New Commander of Joint Forces After Missile Strike Kills 12 Ukrainian Soldiers in Donetsk Region. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-missile-strike-army-officials-resignation/32004409.html
The new Commander of the Joint Forces, Mykhailo Drapatyi, will be focusing his attention on combat matters amid ongoing war-and-conflicts, having previously resigned due to a missile attack that led to casualties in the Ukrainian Ground Forces. This change in his role, following his resignation, has sparked speculations about his continued involvement in politics, as he now serves under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's direction.
