Ukrainian troops pin hopes on new top general Mykhailo Drapatyi after defense minister ousted

Published Jul 25, 11:17 AM UTC

Ukrainian front-line troops express cautious optimism after President Zelenskyy appointed 43-year-old Brig. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as the country's new commander in chief, replacing 60-year-old Oleksandr Syrskyi. Syrskyi, credited with stopping Russian offensives in 2024, faced criticism for a slow, top-down command style. Drapatyi, known for stabilizing battlefields and embracing technological innovation, is seen as a potential partner for recently ousted reformist defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Soldiers interviewed by Business Insider praise Drapatyi's methodical planning, openness to drone and robotic systems, and ability to listen. They hope his leadership will accelerate battlefield innovation, shorten the cycle from combat experience to implementation, and give field commanders more decision-making freedom. The appointment follows the shock removal of Fedorov, and troops view Drapatyi as a modernizer who could help turn the war's tide against Russia.