Ukrainians hope new commander will end army’s Soviet culture

A significant moment in Ukraine’s military history occurred recently when Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces. At 43 years old, the major general takes on this critical role as Ukraine strives to change the direction of the ongoing war.

This appointment has been widely supported across Ukraine’s political, military, and civil society. It followed a period of public discontent and protests, sparked by the dismissal of the popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov had apparently disagreed with the former commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, on how the war should be managed. Drapatyi had publicly supported Fedorov, suggesting he was aligned with calls for change.

Experts believe Drapatyi’s selection signals a desire for a different approach within the military. Mykola Bielieskov, a researcher at Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that the change was needed not just for battlefield strategy, but also to rebuild public confidence after recent protests. He emphasised the importance of refocusing efforts on managing the war effectively.

Drapatyi represents a younger generation of Ukrainian military leaders who have gained experience through over a decade of conflict. His reputation was built on the front lines, where he reportedly embraced new technologies like drone warfare early on. He is also credited with empowering junior officers, giving them more responsibility and expecting them to make their own decisions.

Many Ukrainians see Drapatyi as a departure from the Soviet-era command style that was associated with his predecessor, Syrskyi. Critics had accused Syrskyi of using tactics that resulted in heavy casualties and a disregard for soldiers' lives. Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, described Drapatyi as someone who opposes Soviet-style thinking and excessive top-down control, and who understands the internal issues within the military.

Bielieskov further described Drapatyi as compassionate and approachable, characteristics that are not always common among Ukraine’s high-ranking military officials. His rise through the ranks based on his performance and understanding of the battlefield has earned him the respect of both long-serving officers and those who joined the army after 2022.

Drapatyi’s career began after graduating from the Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops in 2004. He served with the 72nd Mechanised Brigade and played crucial roles in defending against the Russian advance towards Kryvyi Rih and liberating Kherson after the full-scale invasion. He was often sent to the most challenging sectors to stabilise the front lines.

He has also been notably vocal about the need for internal army reform. Last year, he criticised what he called an environment of fear and a lack of willingness to accept feedback, arguing that such issues harmed the military’s effectiveness. After a missile strike tragically killed dozens of soldiers under his command, Drapatyi took personal responsibility and offered his resignation, rather than blaming his subordinates. This act significantly boosted his reputation as a responsible and accountable commander.

While many soldiers feel a renewed sense of hope, analysts caution that the challenges facing Ukraine extend beyond the power of a single commander. Issues like unresolved tensions between the defence ministry and the general staff, and the politically sensitive matter of mobilisation reform, remain significant obstacles. There is a concern that Drapatyi might be unfairly blamed for problems outside his direct control.