**Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Get New Commander**
The commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, has been dismissed from his position. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky in a decree signed on June 3.
Sukharevskyi will be replaced by Major Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, who currently commands the elite drone unit “Birds of Magyar”. The USF was established as a separate branch of Ukraine’s military in June 2024 and has been responsible for improving Ukraine’s drone operations.
**A Tense Relationship**
According to sources close to the Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne, Sukharevskyi’s relationship with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was tense from the beginning. It was said that Sukharevskyi’s appointment as commander of the USF was a decision made by President Zelensky and not by Syrskyi.
**New Role for Sukharevskyi**
Sukharevskyi has now been appointed deputy commander of Ukraine’s Eastern Operational Command, where he will be responsible for implementing reforms and leading modernization efforts. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Brovdi was chosen as the new USF commander because of his experience with one of the best units.
**Other Military Decisions**
On June 3, Ukrainian leadership also announced a number of other military personnel decisions. Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed Commander of the Joint Forces, replacing Ground Forces Commander who resigned following a Russian missile strike that killed at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers.
**Increased Tensions with Russia**
The news comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate. A recent Ukrainian drone strike deep inside Russian territory has sparked anger among Kremlin officials, highlighting the vulnerability of Russia’s nuclear-capable air force.
