Mikhail Drapaty's Challenges

• Igale Levin
• 22.07.2026, 11:46

What are the most challenging tasks facing the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Drapaty, like Syrsky, is one of a group of capable, competent Ukrainian officers—men who love the military profession and understand the nature of war.

Drapaty, like Syrsky, is taking command of the army during a difficult time—Syrsky took command of the troops following the disastrous summer offensive of 2023, while Drapaty is taking command at a time of acute crisis regarding manpower and a likely upcoming mobilization in the Russian Federation.

Drapaty, like Syrsky, will have to make extremely difficult decisions and choose between the bad and the terrible.

This requires courage and character, and all we can do is wish him the utmost resolve in this matter.

I have said more than once that in such an extremely complex situation as the one Ukraine finds itself in, those who agree to take on the highest, fateful posts are brave people. This applies equally to everyone who works tirelessly and continues to do everything possible to maintain control of the army. This includes both corps commanders and young officers who choose to remain on this cursed and thankless path.

It is cursed and thankless everywhere, but especially in Ukraine—in part because Ukrainians, by their very nature, are capable of creating idols in the blink of an eye and, just as quickly, toppling those same idols.

Drapaty, commenting on his appointment, thanked General Syrsky for his work in strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces and noted that: “Serving Ukraine has always been an honor for me, and during the war for independence, it means absolute responsibility.”

Wars for independence—yes, that’s exactly right.

The war currently underway is not just another war in and of itself; it is a defining war—it will determine literally everything, from the ongoing genesis of the nation to the very existence of the state and the future of the entire region.

Thank you to Syrskyi for his service, and to Drapatyi—may he have all the strength and wisdom he needs.

To my brothers-in-arms and colleagues in Ukraine, I wish that you will always continue to be guided by the old rule—to stay at your post and fulfill your duty to the fullest—as well as you possibly can. Never ask “when,” because that moment has not yet come, and remember that now is a time for hard work.

Igale Levin, “Facebook”