Significant personnel changes are being prepared within the Ukrainian military department. The name of the person who will take one of the most influential positions in the country — Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — has become known. The new head will be Major General Ihor Skibiuk, whose career is closely intertwined with the history of the Ukrainian army.
Information about the upcoming appointment emerged after a meeting attended by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to RBC-Ukraine, the decree on the change of leadership is already in the preparation stage. This decision was made in close contact with the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapaty, and Yevhen Khmara.
Choosing an ally: why continuity matters
A key factor in choosing the candidate was Ihor Skibiuk's extensive combat experience and, importantly, his long-standing cooperation with the new Commander-in-Chief. The generals fought side by side, which, according to the country's leadership, will ensure coordinated work of all components of the army in the future. President Zelenskyy particularly emphasized the need for the army to function as a single mechanism, and Skibiuk's appointment is intended to strengthen this bond.
Alongside the discussion of appointing the new head of the General Staff, the meeting determined further development paths for Oleksandr Syrskyi and Andriy Hnatov, although details of their future remain closed at this time.
From platoon commander to general
Ihor Anatoliyovych Skibiuk is a figure who has climbed all the rungs of the military hierarchy. His career began with the position of commander of an airborne platoon. Over the years of service, he rose to the position of deputy commander of a brigade and head of the airborne service of a separate airborne assault brigade of the High-Mobility Airborne Forces.
Among the key stages of his biography is participation in international missions. In 2001–2002, Skibiuk commanded a special platoon of the special company of the Ukrainian peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo (Republic of Serbia). This experience became an important part of his professional development.
Since June 3, 2025, Major General officially held the post of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is from this position that he will move to the leadership role.
Awards and recognition
Ihor Skibiuk's professionalism has been recognized at the state level. He is a Hero of Ukraine and has been awarded a number of state and departmental awards. These titles confirm his contribution to the country's defense capabilities and the high level of competence that he is expected to bring to the management of the General Staff.
