**New Commander for Ukrainian Joint Forces Appointed**
Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as the new Commander of the Joint Forces, just two days after he submitted his resignation as Ground Forces Commander. This change comes in the wake of a deadly Russian missile strike on June 1 that killed at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers and injured over 60 others.
The attack on the 239th Polygon training ground, located north of the city of Dnipro, was particularly devastating. Drapatyi had expressed his outrage and sadness over the loss of young recruits who were supposed to be learning, living, and fighting for their country. The Ground Forces press office confirmed that if negligence or misconduct contributed to the casualties, those responsible will face strict accountability.
**Changing the Culture**
Drapatyi emphasized the need to change the culture of commanders’ attitudes toward their soldiers and the value of every Ukrainian soldier’s life. He also stressed the importance of focusing on combat issues, which is what he has been tasked with by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Drapatyi’s appointment as Commander of the Joint Forces comes at a critical time when Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian training sites have intensified in recent months.
**Background and Analysis**
The June 1 attack was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression against Ukraine. In March, Russia had struck the same training ground using an Iskander missile. These attacks have been met with criticism of the top military leadership for allowing negligence at military facilities.
Drapatyi’s resignation and subsequent appointment as Commander of the Joint Forces may be seen as a response to these criticisms. By emphasizing the need to change the culture of commanders’ attitudes, Drapatyi is signaling that he will prioritize the safety and well-being of Ukrainian soldiers.
**A New Era for Ukraine’s Military?**
The appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander of the Joint Forces marks a new era for Ukraine’s military. With his focus on combat issues and prioritizing the value of every soldier, Drapatyi may be able to bring about much-needed change in the way Ukraine’s military operates.
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