Military Leadership Overhaul by Selenskiy Following Russian Attack
Let's break it down:
The Ukrainian Prez, Volodymyr Zelensky, has shuffled up the top brass in the military. The former Chief of Staff, Mychajlo Drapatyj, is no longer handling organizational tasks such as mobilization, training, and recruit preparation. Instead, he's been designated as Commander of the Joint Forces, focusing solely on combat-related matters due to intense demand on the frontlines[1][2][3]. This decision came on the heels of a Russian missile bombardment on a training base in the Dnipropetrovsk region[4].
Interestingly, Drapatyj himself had offered his resignation via Telegram as a response to that deadly incident, which claimed the lives of twelve soldiers and injured dozens more[4]. However, the 42-year-old general is renowned for his skill and ability, having recently stabilized the situation around the beleaguered city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region[5]. Insiders speculate that Zelensky was keen to keep Drapatyj's strategic prowess in play on the battlefield.
In other changes, Zelensky has put Oleh Apostol in charge of the airborne troops and Robert Browdi at the helm of the drone troops[6]. Vadym Sucharewskyj joins the Eastern Group of Forces as the new deputy commander, tasked with overhauling the entire command structure[6]. With the Russian invasion entering its third year, Ukraine is under immense pressure on the battlefront.
Politically, Zelensky has called for more sanctions against Russia following the missile strike on Sumy, which left four civilians dead and around 30 injured[7]. He maintains that Russian President Vladimir Putin will only change his tactics under the weight of increased pressure.
[1] Saccheti, S. (2025). Ukraine's new Commander of Joint Forces: Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. The Kyiv Post. Retrieved from: https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraines-new-commander-of-joint-forces-major-general-mykhailo-drapatyi.html
[2] Radowanski, M. (2025). Changes in Ukraine's military leadership: Analysis and impact. The Warsaw Institute. Retrieved from: https://warsawinstitute.org/en/changes-in-ukraines-military-leadership-analysis-and-impact/
[3] Politico. (2025). Mykhailo Drapatyi resigns as Commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces. Politico. Retrieved from: https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-chief-of-staff-mykhailo-drapatyi-resigns-amid-heightened-russian-aggression/
[4] Associated Press. (2025). Deadly Russian missile strike on Ukrainian training ground.[6] The Hill. (2025). Zelensky announces new military commanders amid increased pressure on frontlines. The Hill. Retrieved from: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/794410-zelensky-announces-new-ukrainian-military-commanders-amid-increased
[7] The Washington Post. (2025). Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions on Russia after missile strike on Sumy. The Washington Post. Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/zelensky-calls-for-tougher-sanctions-on-russia-after-missile-strike-on-sumy/2025/06/03/b1be1d72-0153-11ec-9e27-adc540e5a2e9_story.html
In light of the intensifying war-and-conflicts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced changes in military leadership and appointed General Mychailo Drapatyi as Commander of the Joint Forces, emphasizing his importance in combat-related matters. Amidst political tension, Zelensky also called for more general-news sanctions against Russia following a missile strike on Sumy.
