Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Ukraine Names New Top Military Commander Amid Protests
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed a new top military commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, following protests and disagreements within the government.
The change comes after the dismissal of the popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who was known for his work on drone technology.
Some people in Ukraine want to use more technology in the war, while others prefer traditional methods.
The new commander, Drapatyi, promises to lead responsibly and with respect for the troops.
The war with Russia is in its fifth year, and Ukraine is trying to gain an advantage by targeting Russia's energy sector and logistics.
President Zelenskiy named Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander in Chief of Ukraine’s military.
The change follows protests and the dismissal of tech-savvy defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Drapatyi is supported by protesters who demanded Fedorov's reinstatement and the removal of former Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Ukraine aims to gain an advantage in the war by targeting Russia's energy sector and logistics.
Drapatyi promises to lead responsibly and with respect for the troops.
- Who
- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
- What
- Named Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander in Chief of Ukraine’s military
- When
- July 21
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Why
- To address leadership rift and protests, and to reflect tensions between tech-savvy reformists and traditional military approaches
Pro-Reformists
Traditionalists
Leadership Style
Pro-Reformists
Advocate for tech-savvy, innovative approaches to warfare.
Traditionalists
Prefer traditional military strategies and command structures.
Recent Dismissals
Pro-Reformists
Support the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov, emphasizing his role in advancing drone technology.
Traditionalists
Accept the dismissal of Fedorov, aligning with the traditional military hierarchy.
- New Commander in Chief
- Mykhailo Drapatyi
- Former Commander in Chief
- Oleksandr Syrskyi
- Dismissed Defence Minister
- Mykhailo Fedorov
- Date of Announcement
- July 21
- War Duration
- Fifth year
