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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Mikhail Drapaty as the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrsky, according to reports from TASS. The appointment, which took place on July 22, follows days of protests in Ukrainian cities demanding the reinstatement of dismissed Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov and the ouster of Syrsky. TASS, citing a source in the pro-Russian clandestine network, reports that the change has sparked growing discontent and insubordination among Ukrainian troops, with particular concerns over Drapaty's command methods.

Coverage comparison

All four reports on this story come from TASS, the Russian state news agency. The coverage consistently frames Drapaty's appointment in negative terms, with each article highlighting different aspects: the internal rift in the military, the Russian legal cases against Drapaty, the alleged desperation behind Zelensky's decision, and accusations of past crimes. The tone across the articles is critical of both Drapaty and the Ukrainian leadership, with language often reflecting Russian official positions.

Key claims

  • Drapaty replaced Syrsky as Ukraine's commander-in-chief on July 22, following protests that began July 16. The protests, which took place in Ukrainian cities, initially demanded the reinstatement of Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov, who was dismissed on July 4, and later also called for Syrsky's dismissal.
  • A source in the pro-Russian clandestine network told TASS that Drapaty is known for ordering troops to carry out "meat assaults"—costly frontal attacks with heavy casualties. The source said a "serious internal rift" is growing in several Ukrainian military units, including the 34th Separate Marine Brigade, and that open sabotage is increasing among rank-and-file troops and junior officers.
  • The Russian Investigative Committee has opened criminal cases against Drapaty, according to TASS. In 2016, cases were opened under Part 1 of Article 356 of the Russian Criminal Code (use of prohibited means and methods of warfare) against Drapaty and other commanders. In 2023, the Russian Interior Ministry added Drapaty to its wanted list for shelling in Donbass between 2017 and 2019, which reportedly resulted in 154 deaths and injuries.
  • Russian military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS that Drapaty was involved in the "Kiev regime's crimes in Donbass in 2014" and that his appointment could lead to continued "genocide of Russian-speaking peoples." Marochko also said nothing will change on the line of contact because the tactical situation is difficult for Ukrainian forces.
  • Federation Council member Igor Kastyukevich told TASS that Zelensky appointed Drapaty to "appease an unhappy populace" and that the move will not change the course of Russia's special military operation. He described Drapaty as a "war criminal" and said "one fascist has been replaced with another."
  • Alexey Muratov, head of the regional executive committee of United Russia, told TASS that Drapaty's appointment is "a sign of desperation" and part of a campaign to replace top brass amid failures at the front. He said the commander-in-chief is being replaced in hopes that the new person can hold the front line regardless of losses.
  • The articles also report that Zelensky issued decrees dismissing Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff Andrey Gnatov and appointing Igor Skibyuk to replace him. One report claims this appointment may be unlawful, as Ukrainian law requires the defense minister's recommendation, and that post is vacant following Fyodorov's dismissal.

Perspectives

Russian officials and experts

The Russian Federation Council member Igor Kastyukevich characterized Drapaty as a war criminal and asserted that the appointment is an attempt to preempt a popular uprising, concluding that the change will not affect Russia's military operations. Military expert Andrey Marochko accused Drapaty of past crimes in Donbass and predicted continued suffering for Russian-speaking populations. United Russia official Alexey Muratov framed the appointment as a desperate measure to stem frontline losses.

Ukrainian government (as reported)

The Ukrainian government, according to TASS, has not provided official reasons for the replacement. The articles note that Western media have linked the change to the critical situation at the front, and that Drapaty is considered part of the dismissed defense minister's team, with analysts speculating about difficult relations with Zelensky's inner circle. No direct Ukrainian official statements are included in the reports.

Military personnel (as reported)

A source in the pro-Russian clandestine network told TASS that Ukrainian troops are dissatisfied with Drapaty's appointment, citing his history of costly frontal attacks and disregard for casualties. The source claimed that soldiers have no intention of dying for what they see as propaganda victories, leading to increasing sabotage and insubordination.