Mykhailo Drapatyi, appointed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), has made his first official statement after assuming office. The message was published on his Facebook profile and reported by RBC-Ukraine.
Gratitude and Responsibility
In his address, Drapatyi expressed gratitude to the President of Ukraine for his trust, to the Minister of Defense for his support, and to all members of the Defense Forces for this new stage of service. He emphasized that serving Ukraine has always been an honor for him, and in the conditions of a war for independence, it is an absolute responsibility.
Recognition of the Predecessor's Merits
Special attention in the statement was paid to Oleksandr Syrskyi, who previously held the post of Commander-in-Chief of the AFU. Drapatyi thanked him for his "consistent work in strengthening the Ukrainian army" and added: "I grew under his command." This indicates the continuity of command and respect for the legacy of the previous leader.
Promise of Responsible Work
The new Commander-in-Chief assured that he will work responsibly, with focus, and with deep respect for those who are currently defending the state. His words reflect the seriousness of the moment and the readiness to take on the heaviest mission in the conditions of an ongoing conflict.
Context of the Appointment
Recall that on July 21, Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially elected Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the AFU, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi in this position. According to Bloomberg sources, 11 candidates were considered before the decision was made. Drapatyi, who previously headed the Joint Forces of the AFU — one of the key operational components of the Ukrainian army — was considered the most likely choice.
