Changes in the higher command of the Defense Forces

Today, the President of Ukraine, along with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the military leadership, made a series of key personnel decisions. In the morning, they met with Mykhailo Drapatyi to address concerns he raised regarding the Russian strike on a Ukrainian training ground on June 1, 2025.

As part of the leadership changes, new commanders were appointed for both the Air Assault Forces and the Unmanned Systems Forces.

Drapatyi resignation accepted

The key change has taken place in the leadership of the Ground Forces. President Zelenskyy has accepted the resignation of Ground Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi and signed off on it. Drapatyi will stay in the army and return to the frontline, where he will lead the United Forces and continue to command the Khortytsia Strategic Grouping of Troops. A new commander of the Ground Forces is expected to be announced in the coming days. Mykhailo Drapatyi submitted his resignation over the tragedy at the 239th Training Range Center, where a Russian strike killed soldiers from a training battalion on June 1, 2025.

New Commanders appointed

Oleh Apostol, formerly the commander of the 95th Air Assault Brigade, has been appointed as the new commander of the Air Assault Forces. He succeeds Ihor Skybiuk, who has taken on the role of Deputy Chief of the General Staff.

Robert Brovdi, known by his callsign “Madyar” and commander of the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade, has been named the new commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces. He replaces Vadym Sukharevskyi, the first leader of this newest branch of the Armed Forces. Sukharevskyi has been appointed deputy commander of Operational Command East.

“I am proud to have had the honor of leading the SBS during their first and most challenging year of formation. Although this year was not complete, it was spent productively. We established and immediately put into practice the principles on which this unique military branch operates. At the same time, at this stage, our visions for the further development of the SBS differ from those of the leadership. I consider it an honest and professional decision, under these circumstances, to conclude my tenure as commander of the SBS. I leave the position with deep faith in everyone who continues to carry this idea forward,” says Sukharevskyi.

Oleksandr Bilous, deputy commander of the National Guard, has been dismissed from his position. No reason has been provided, and his replacement has not yet been announced.