Immediately after his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi found himself at the center of attention of Russian law enforcement agencies. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia declared him wanted, adding a special card marked "Wanted" to the database.
Details of the New Wanted Notice
Information that the new Commander-in-Chief is being sought by Russian law enforcement was confirmed by RBK-Ukraine, citing the TASS agency. According to the data, the card appeared in the Russian MIA database almost instantly after Drapatyi's official appointment. The report notes that the general is being sought under an article of the Criminal Code, although the specific qualification of the crime is not currently disclosed.
History of Accusations: Events of 2017–2019
This is not the first time Russian investigative bodies have shown interest in Drapatyi's career. Previously, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation had already indicted him in absentia. According to the agency's materials, in 2017 and 2019, Drapatyi, together with Viktor Nikoliuk, commanded the Joint Forces Operation of Ukraine.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, under their command, Ukrainian troops conducted more than 70 shelling attacks on populated areas in territories that Russia calls the "DNR" and "LNR". The investigation claims that 154 people were killed or injured as a result of these actions.
The Path to the Post of Commander-in-Chief
Mykhailo Drapatyi's appointment took place on July 21 by decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He replaced Oleksandr Syrskyi in this position. According to Bloomberg sources, 11 candidates were considered for the position, but Drapatyi was considered the most likely successor due to his experience leading the Joint Forces.
The General's Combat Path
Mykhailo Drapatyi has significant combat experience. Key events in his career include the breakthrough from the so-called "Izvarin Cauldron," the successful halt of the enemy's offensive on Kropyvnytskyi (Krivoy Rog), and active participation in the liberation of the right-bank part of the Kherson region.
