President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree appointing a new commander of one of the army's key branches. According to Decree No. 931/2026, published on the official website of the head of state, on September 15, 2026, the post of Commander of the Communications and Cybersecurity Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was taken up by Brigadier General Oleksiy Oleksandrovych Kovalenko. Ukrainian media reported on the document, citing the presidential decree.
Who Is Oleksiy Kovalenko
The new commander is no stranger to the service: since 2023 he has effectively led the Communications and Cybersecurity Troops, serving as acting commander. Thus, the decree of September 15 formalized the position that Kovalenko had been holding on a temporary basis for several years. According to available data, the serviceman also heads the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informatization named after the Heroes of Kruty, which underscores his specialized expertise in communications, informatization, and cyber defense.
The Role of the Communications and Cybersecurity Troops
The Communications and Cybersecurity Troops are a separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are tasked with planning and ensuring the deployment and operation of the army's communications systems, as well as participating in the national cybersecurity system and countering military aggression against Ukraine in cyberspace. In the conditions of a modern war, where the command of units, communications, and the protection of information systems directly affect combat operations, the importance of this branch has grown manifold.
Context of Personnel Changes in the Armed Forces
Kovalenko's appointment is part of a series of personnel decisions by the president regarding the military services. On September 14, Zelensky signed a decree appointing a new commander of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces — military surgeon, Colonel of the Medical Service Kostiantyn Humenyuk. Earlier, on September 2, Sviatoslav Zaitso was appointed the new commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The combination of these decisions indicates a systematic renewal of the leadership of the army's key branches and forces.
Significance of the Appointment
Formalizing the command of the Communications and Cybersecurity Troops after a period of acting service allows efforts to be focused on developing communications infrastructure and strengthening the state's cyber defense. The appointment of a specialist with experience both as a military leader and as a teacher and scientific supervisor at the relevant institute is seen as a step toward systematic work on cybersecurity and communications resilience amid ongoing combat operations.
