A major personnel change has occurred in the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Today, an official ceremony for the transfer of authority took place, during which Major General Mykhailo Drapatsky assumed the post of Commander-in-Chief of the AFU, and Major General Ihor Skibuk took charge of the General Staff. The previous commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, officially handed over the reins of power to his successors.

Ceremony of Power Transfer

The event took place in a solemn atmosphere. As reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement by Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Acting Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Yevhen Hmara, personally presented the new military leadership to the General Staff command. During the ceremony, the former Commander-in-Chief transferred authority to Mykhailo Drapatsky, marking the end of one stage and the beginning of another.

Wishes from the Outgoing Commander

Oleksandr Syrskyi, leaving his post, addressed the new leaders with important parting words. He emphasized that the army faces a new stage ahead and wished the new leadership strength, endurance, and wisdom in decision-making. Syrskyi placed special emphasis on unity with the troops, calling it the guarantee of future victories.

Separately, the former commander focused on the strategic tasks facing the army. In his farewell speech, he noted:

  • Every decision must bring Ukraine closer to peace;
  • Every order must treat the lives of soldiers with care;
  • The army's actions must inflict crushing losses on the enemy.

Historical Context of the Appointment

The official appointment of Mykhailo Drapatsky to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the AFU took place on July 21, 2026, by decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This decision marked the replacement of Oleksandr Syrskyi, who led the army during the previous period.

On the day of his appointment, Drapatsky made his first public statement, in which he expressed gratitude to Oleksandr Syrskyi for his consistent work in strengthening the army. The new commander also noted that he had "grown" within this system, emphasizing the continuity of generations of officers.