Image: from UATV English X @UATV_en
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Ihor Skybiuk as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, continuing a sweeping reorganisation of the country’s senior military leadership as the war with Russia enters another critical phase.
Skybiuk replaces Andrii Hnatov, who had served as Chief of the General Staff since March 2025. His appointment follows Zelensky’s decision to replace General Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, with General Mykhailo Drapatyi assuming the country’s highest military post.
The latest changes represent one of the most significant leadership reshuffles within Ukraine’s armed forces since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Leadership change in Ukraine: Mykhailo Drapatyi appointed as new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his service in key operations.
— brexit (@thebrexitdaily) July 22, 2026
A trusted battlefield commander
Major General Ihor Skybiuk is regarded as one of Ukraine’s most experienced operational commanders.
A recipient of the prestigious title Hero of Ukraine, he previously commanded the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, one of the military’s elite formations that has played a central role in several major defensive and offensive operations during the war.
Before his promotion, Skybiuk served as Deputy Chief of the General Staff, where he was responsible for supporting operational planning and coordinating military activities across multiple fronts.
His elevation to the position of Chief of the General Staff places him at the centre of Ukraine’s military planning and force coordination.
Zelensky emphasises unity
Announcing the appointment, President Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation among the country’s senior commanders.
“Skybiuk is a highly experienced military officer who fought side by side with the new commander-in-chief in defense of Ukraine. It’s important that every part of our armed forces continues to operate in complete coordination,” the Ukrainian president said.
His remarks suggest that battlefield cohesion and unified command remain key priorities as Ukrainian forces continue to confront sustained Russian pressure along several fronts.
Continuing military reorganisation
Skybiuk’s appointment forms part of a broader restructuring initiated by Zelensky.
Earlier this week, the president appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Drapatyi, a 43-year-old battlefield commander known for his role in the liberation of Kherson and operations around Kharkiv, represents a younger generation of Ukrainian military leaders whose careers have largely been shaped by the war with Russia.
Together, Drapatyi and Skybiuk are expected to form the core of Ukraine’s new military leadership team.
Role of the General Staff
The Chief of the General Staff is responsible for overseeing military planning, coordinating operations between the different branches of the armed forces, and ensuring the effective implementation of strategic decisions made by the Commander-in-Chief.
The position plays a vital role in logistics, personnel management, operational coordination and long-term force development.
By appointing a commander with extensive combat experience, Ukrainian officials appear to be reinforcing the emphasis on battlefield-focused leadership.
Facing mounting battlefield challenges
The leadership changes come as Ukraine continues to face intense Russian offensives across multiple sectors of the front.
Russian forces have maintained pressure in eastern Ukraine while increasing long-range missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure and urban centres.
At the same time, Kyiv remains dependent on continued military assistance from Western allies as it seeks to strengthen its defensive capabilities and prepare future operations.
Military analysts suggest the appointments reflect Zelensky’s determination to adapt Ukraine’s command structure to the evolving demands of a prolonged conflict.
Looking ahead
The appointments of Mykhailo Drapatyi and Ihor Skybiuk mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ukraine’s military leadership.
Both officers bring extensive frontline experience and are widely regarded as representatives of a generation of commanders shaped by modern warfare rather than Soviet military doctrine.
As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion, the effectiveness of this new command team will play a crucial role in directing military operations, coordinating resources and maintaining the country’s ability to respond to one of the most complex security challenges in its modern history.