Who will be Ukraine's next Commander-in-Chief in 2026?Viktor Nikoliuk

Major General Mykhailo Drapaty announced that he had assumed the duties of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to him, Zelensky set a number of clear tasks for the new military leadership. In particular, this concerns the continuation and intensification of offensive actions in all domains, planning new operations in the rear of Russian troops, developing the army and introducing technologies, as well as increasing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. [in reply to: In Russia, after the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty to the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, they reminded that he is on the wanted list of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This was reported by the Russian state agency TASS. The card states that he is wanted under a criminal article, but its number and content are not specified. Information about the search for Drapaty appeared back in September 2023. Then, together with him, Viktor Nikolyuk was declared wanted in the Russian Federation. Previously, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation in absentia charged Drapatom and Nikoliuk with crimes related to the actions of the Ukrainian military in 2017 and 2019 in Donbas.]

The main points of the President's address Today there were a number of meetings with the commanders of the army corps, the marine corps, and the commander of the operational group "East" Viktor Nikoliuk. In fact, we spoke with all levels of senior commanders of the army and the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine in general and we see a common position. Apostol, Redis, Biletsky, Horbatyuk, Obolensky, Brovdi and others - I spoke with many. All priorities and the path to modernization of army management have been analyzed. I determined that Mykhailo Drapaty will become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together with Mykhailo, Yevheniy Khmara, and Pavlo Palisa, we determined how the configuration of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be updated. The fact is that Oleksandr Syrskyi ensured Ukraine's results in the defense of Kyiv, in the Kharkiv offensive operation, in the Kursk operation. A significant path has been covered, the defense of Ukraine continues, and every soldier needs a dignified attitude. I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrsky and every one of our soldiers for Ukraine's strong frontline positions. I am grateful to Mykhailo Drapatom for precisely this view. Today, with Oleksandr Syrsky and Andriy Hnatov, we talked about further service formats and the correct transfer of cases. I determined with Mykhailo Drapatom what tasks should be implemented in the near future and in the medium term. The operations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are ongoing and should continue stably. Ukraine's long-range sanctions plan, our middlestrike program will be implemented absolutely clearly. Transfer all matters in the army in the most coordinated, institutional way possible, and continue the planned steps in combat operations. Mykhailo Drapatiy, Yevhenii Khmara, and other commanders, whom we will jointly determine, must prepare and submit for approval an updated strategy for our defense, steps to continue the reform of the corps system, and the fulfillment of those requests from combat commanders for the supply of weapons, the supply of drones, and equipment that have been voiced these days both at the Headquarters and in our direct communication with commanders. Closing the sky as much as possible from Russian strikes and providing a real vision of the mobilization process is a priority. I had a meeting with Mykhailo Fedorov today. I offered Mykhailo a worthy position in power that would allow us to unite the technological component of our state and ensure its development. The security competence of Yevheniy Khmara, combat achievements, technological results and deep strikes of "Alpha" speak for themselves, and in the conditions of the system of government structures this is necessary. We all have one desire - victory over the enemy, achieving such conditions on the front and in pressure on Russia that would allow us to force Russia to peace. Tomorrow we will formalize all decisions. Ukraine should emerge stronger from this situation, and it will be more difficult for Russia. I thank all our soldiers, I thank every effective unit. I thank everyone who cares about our state, who cares about our national interests as if they were their own. Glory to Ukraine!