The appointment of Mikhail Drapaty as Ukrainian army commander-in-chief has reportedly caused significant disagreements and a negative reaction among southern forces personnel due to his past command methods. Drapaty is also noted for controversial statements about Russians and Donbass residents.
Alexander Protsenko, a Russian political scientist, stated that Mikhail Drapaty's appointment as Ukraine's commander-in-chief will not change the course of events, predicting continued retreat for Ukrainian forces despite leadership changes following previous dismissals and protests.
Oleg Murachev, Deputy Regional Security Minister of Zaporozhye, stated that Ukraine lacks military commanders capable of defeating Russia and that Mikhail Drapaty's appointment as AFU commander-in-chief will not affect Russia's special military operation. This follows President Zelensky's official removal of Alexander Syrsky and appointment of Drapaty, alongside other command changes.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has appointed Mikhail Drapaty as the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, replacing Alexander Syrsky. Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov was also dismissed, with Vladimir Gorbatyuk expected to succeed him, though no official decrees have been issued yet.
