**Ukraine’s President Makes Key Military Appointments**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the head of a new military group, Khortytsia operational-strategic Group. This change was announced on January 26.
Zelensky said that Drapatyi’s leadership will focus on the areas of intense combat while also ensuring proper training for Ukraine’s brigades. At the same time, Drapatyi will continue to serve as Commander of the Ground Forces, which is the largest component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
**Drapatyi’s Background**
Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi has a strong military background. He was appointed Commander of the Ground Forces in November 2024. Before that, he served as Commander of Ukraine’s 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade from 2016 to 2019. Drapatyi also played a key role in the liberation of Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast in 2014.
**Other Key Appointments**
Ukrainian President Zelensky has also appointed Brigadier General Andrii Hnatov as Deputy Chief of the General Staff. This move aims to improve coordination between operational headquarters and front lines. Previously, Hnatov served as Commander of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a role he was appointed to in June 2024.
**Zelensky’s Plan**
The President said that these changes were discussed with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi to address key military tasks at all levels. Zelensky emphasized that the specific needs of the front must determine the standards for equipping and training brigades.
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