Who is Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ukraine's new commander-in-chief?

Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi is now the third commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. He replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi following shifts in military leadership and public pressure. Drapatyi, 43, brings significant field experience to the role, having led various operational task forces throughout the conflict.

His military career began with his graduation from the Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops in 2004. He gained public attention in 2014 when he directed his battalion to break through barricades in Mariupol to secure the police station. Since the 2022 invasion, he has led operations in Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and eastern combat zones. His reputation for leadership is rooted in his tactical skill and a perceived commitment to the safety of his soldiers.

In 2025, Drapatyi submitted his resignation from his post in the Ground Forces following a Russian missile strike on a training ground that resulted in multiple casualties. He stated that he held personal responsibility for the systemic failures that allowed the event to occur. This move was viewed by many as an act of accountability and integrity, further solidifying his standing within the army and among the civilian population.

Drapatyi now faces significant operational challenges in his new position. His immediate priorities include addressing manpower recruitment, managing logistics, and combating corruption within the defense procurement system. He also must navigate complex dependencies on Western military partners while managing the expectations of a country currently enduring another winter of war. Analysts note that he inherits a difficult path, but he maintains strong support among rank-and-file soldiers who desire a shift away from the traditional, attrition-focused command style.