**Ukraine’s President Appoints New Ground Forces Commander**
In the wake of a devastating Russian missile strike that killed 12 Ukrainian soldiers, President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed a new commander for Ukraine’s Ground Forces. Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov will take over from Mykhailo Drapatyi, who resigned earlier this month.
The change comes as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian attacks across several fronts. The Russian strike on June 1 was particularly brutal, with young recruits among the casualties. Drapatyi described them as “should have learned, lived, and fought — not died.”
Zelensky accepted Drapatyi’s resignation and appointed him Commander of the Joint Forces on June 3. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the Ground Forces promising accountability if misconduct or negligence is confirmed.
**Who is Hennadii Shapovalov?**
Shapovalov is a career officer born in 1978 in Kirovohrad Oblast. He graduated from the Military Institute of Tank Troops in Kharkiv and later studied at the National Defense University of Ukraine. Shapovalov also received training at the U.S. Army War College.
Prior to his appointment as Ground Forces commander, Shapovalov led Ukraine’s South Operational Command in 2024 and was appointed in February 2025 as Ukraine’s representative to the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission in Germany.
**Commentary**
The appointment of a new Ground Forces commander is a crucial move for Ukraine as it navigates the ongoing conflict with Russia. The military leadership will play a vital role in coordinating efforts to counter Russian aggression and protect Ukrainian civilians.
In related news, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko condemned Russia’s actions, saying: “This is yet another proof of how Russia treats its people with contempt.”
