President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the new military leadership is preparing to modernize the Ukrainian Defense Forces, a process that must proceed in a coordinated manner so as not to give Russia any opportunity to exploit the changes.

The head of state made this announcement during an evening address on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

“We have agreed that the modernization of the Ukrainian Defense Forces will be prepared. It is important that everything proceeds in a perfectly coordinated manner and that the Russians are not given even the slightest opening or opportunity. Russia must feel increasing pressure and increasingly stringent sanctions: these include our long-range sanctions, our mid-range strikes, and our strong positions on the front lines. All of this will be ensured,” the President emphasized.

According to Zelensky, the relevant agreements were reached with the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and Yevhen Khmara. He also noted that Drapatyi has already assumed his duties, and Ihor Skybiuk has been appointed the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“I want to extend a special thank you today to everyone in Ukraine—all military personnel, all civilians—for their trust in the new military leadership. It is important that this trust translates into greater motivation for our defenders; it is important that our troops remain strong and live up to the trust that society has now placed in them. We are providing all the necessary tools,” he concluded.

As reported by Ukrinform, on July 21, in an address, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Mykhailo Drapatyi would become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and also stated that the structure of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine would be reorganized, and emphasized that during his meeting with Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, they discussed “future service arrangements and the proper handover of duties.”

Decrees appointing Mykhailo Drapatiy as Commander-in-Chief and Ihor Skybyuk as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as dismissing Oleksandr Syrskyi and Andriy Hnatov, have been published on the website of the President of Ukraine.

Photo: Office of the President