Ukraine names tech-focused General Drapatyi as new army chief
Ukraine has replaced General Oleksandr Syrskyi with tech-aligned reformer Mykhailo Drapatyi, signalling a shift toward drone-centric warfare and internal military modernization.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi has stepped down as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army after two and a half years, replaced by General Mykhailo Drapatyi. The change follows several days of public demonstrations and apparent pressure from within the military ranks.
The appointment is viewed as a victory for the reformist wing tied to former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Drapatyi, 43, represents a new generation of officers who fought in the Donbas since 2014, breaking through separatist barricades in Mariupol and later saving 260 soldiers from encirclement. His combat record has unsettled Moscow. "He is a very capable general, not a butcher. This is bad news for the Russian armed forces," wrote pro-Russian propagandist Maksim Kalashnikov.
For Ukraine's defence technology sector, Drapatyi's elevation is a positive signal. He worked alongside Fedorov to establish the so-called Drone Line and views the mass deployment of FPV drones and artificial-intelligence systems for targeting as critical advantages over Russia. "He has long advocated increasing medium-range strike capabilities and supports strengthening the role of unmanned platforms," noted US analyst Rob Lee.
Beyond technology, Drapatyi is expected to tackle entrenched military bureaucracy. He is a critic of Soviet-style micromanagement and wants to give frontline commanders greater freedom. "Rather than merely issuing orders, he listened to their views, welcomed feedback and asked how he could help them," Lee wrote, adding that brigade commanders have long complained the general staff lacks battlefield awareness.
The transition brings steep hurdles. Drapatyi must navigate a strained mobilisation system, prepare for a potential Russian mobilisation in two to three months, and build communication networks from scratch. "I would not expect immediate changes and improvements. It will take some time for the changes to become apparent," wrote the Ukrainian analytical account Tatarigami.
Russian logistics targeted
While Kyiv reshuffles its command, Ukrainian forces continue to strike Russian commercial infrastructure. Attacks hit Wildberries warehouses in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk on Wednesday, the third such strike in five days.
The operations have now targeted five of the online retailer's 10 largest logistics hubs. Fires at the latest facilities mean they are almost certain to burn down completely, severely disrupting Russia's largest e-commerce company.
