Zaluzhny Responded to Drapato's Appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commented on the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stating that an extremely challenging task awaits him.
In his post, he emphasized that military service is based first and foremost on moral principles, honor, and responsibility, which are more important than any position or award.
“The cause to which we dedicate our entire lives is, above all, imbued with moral principles and values that shape honor—an honor that is more precious than any position or award. It is this honor that gives rise to ideas and seeks ways to bring them to fruition. And it is precisely this that motivates us to seek out people who will carry their heavy cross alongside you with honor. Those who think and act differently will always, sooner or later, face disgrace,” the statement reads.
According to Zaluzhny, it will be “very difficult—much harder than he imagines” for the new commander-in-chief. At the same time, he expressed his conviction that Mykhailo Drapaty “will never again feel ashamed,” as he called him a man of honor.
“A man of honor has no idols, so he has nothing to lose. The only thing he has is duty,” Valeriy Zaluzhny noted.
The former commander-in-chief also wished Mykhailo Drapaty strength and resilience in his new position.
Zaluzhny announced this on July 22 on his Facebook page.
As a reminder, on July 22, Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that he was stepping down as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In his farewell address, he summarized his work, highlighted key achievements of his command, and thanked Ukrainian servicemen for their service.
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.
The new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykola Drapaty, addressed the Ukrainian people.
