Drapaty spoke harshly about the people waiting in the Donbas

In an interview with Ukraїner, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatiy shared his thoughts on the attitudes of the civilian population in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions toward the war, Russia, and the Ukrainian military. 

In his view, throughout history, insufficient attention has been paid to Ukrainization and patriotic education in these regions, which has led to the emergence of a segment of the population that lacks national awareness, and the attitude of many residents toward Russia resembles “Stockholm syndrome.” While talking with locals, he also concluded that quite a few people are not eager to work and show indifference toward which country they live in.

At the same time, Drapatiy emphasized that the situation should not be considered hopeless, and that working with civilians is an important component of defense. As an example, he cited Mariupol in 2014, where the military’s outreach efforts gradually shifted local residents’ attitudes in favor of Ukraine. In his view, this complex problem requires educational initiatives, efforts by the security services, and proper patriotic education.

Source: Ukraїner.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The head of state announced this shortly before midnight on July 21.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapaty, and Acting Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmara must carry out two key tasks—strengthening the defense of Ukrainian airspace and reforming the system of territorial recruitment centers.