The new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykola Drapatiy, addressed the Ukrainian people

Mykhailo Drapatiy, whom President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, issued his first statement following his appointment. He emphasized that he views his new position as a great responsibility and assured that he will work for the benefit of the Ukrainian military and the state.

In his post, the new Commander-in-Chief thanked the President of Ukraine for his trust, the Minister of Defense for his support, and all the Defense Forces for the opportunity to continue his service in this new phase. “I thank the President of Ukraine for his trust, the Minister of Defense for his support, and the Armed Forces for this new phase of service,” Drapatiy wrote.

“Serving Ukraine is an absolute responsibility”

The new head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that serving the state has always been an honor for him. At the same time, he emphasized that during a full-scale war, this also entails a special responsibility toward the country and its people. “Serving Ukraine has always been an honor for me. During the war for independence, this means absolute responsibility,” he emphasized.

According to Drapaty, in his new position he will work responsibly, with focus, and with respect for all Ukrainian military personnel. “I will work responsibly, with focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” the new Commander-in-Chief said.

He thanked Syrskyi

Mykhailo Drapaty also addressed his predecessor, Oleksandr Syrskyi, separately. He thanked him for his work on developing the Ukrainian military and noted that he had spent a significant portion of his military service under Syrskyi’s leadership. “I thank Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi for his consistent efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces. I grew up in this force,” Drapatiy wrote.

Personnel Changes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Mykhailo Drapatyi’s appointment took place as part of personnel changes in the military leadership previously announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following his official appointment, Drapatiy took command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and became the new Commander-in-Chief, succeeding Oleksandr Syrskyi in this position.

He dedicated his first public statement following his appointment to expressing gratitude to the country’s leadership, the Ukrainian military, and his predecessor, and emphasized that he is aware of the responsibility that comes with his new position during a full-scale war. Drapatiy announced this on his Facebook page.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi.