Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mikhail Drapaty, announced his resignation in connection with the tragedy at one of the country’s military training grounds
His decision came as a surprise to many, as he had previously shown no signs of possible personnel changes in senior positions within the frontline military leadership. In his official statement, disseminated via his Facebook page, Lieutenant General Drapaty stated: “I have made the decision to submit my resignation from the position of Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is a conscious step taken out of a deep sense of responsibility for the tragic event that occurred at the training ground. Responsibility for our servicemen who lost their lives during training and exercises.” The statement was made amidst recent efforts by Ukrainian command and authorities to stabilize the security situation in the country. At the same time, it was voiced against the backdrop of a bitter loss caused by ongoing military conflict. This marks the first time a high-ranking military leader has publicly and unequivocally taken responsibility for a tragedy that claimed the lives of several Ukrainian soldiers. What is the background to this radical personnel change? For the entire period, intense fighting has been ongoing in Donetsk and in the southwestern regions of Ukraine, as the country prepares for possible new military challenges. Most notably, on October 13, one of the Ukrainian military training centers was struck by Russian missiles. Initial reports indicate that the tragedy occurred on the day of the attack. According to Ukrainian military and official sources, at least 12 servicemen were killed as a result of the missile strike on the training complex, with over 60 others wounded. These figures are confirmed by official statements from the Ministry of Defense and the armed forces. The latest data highlight the scale of the catastrophic situation that unfolded during personnel training exercises. Officials in Kyiv have expressed condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the fallen, assuring that the state is doing everything possible to quickly restore the damaged military facilities and improve the security of Ukrainian troops. At the same time, these events once again underscore the high risks and dangers faced by Ukrainian defenders on the front lines, and the urgent need for enhanced defensive measures. The resignation of Mikhail Drapaty from his position as commander remains a topic of discussion within military circles and government teams. According to sources, such personnel changes reflect a policy of accountability and a internal review of all aspects of military training and operations. It is noted that the appointment of a new commander is currently being actively considered at the highest levels of the country’s defense system. Despite this unfortunate news, Ukrainian defenders remain pragmatic and committed to continuing the fight. They emphasize the need to strengthen defensive attacks, improve combat readiness, and ensure more thorough training of personnel. However, the fact that one of the highest-ranking commanders had to step down due to personal responsibility for losses is undoubtedly a signal to the entire military leadership — accountability and transparency in difficult times have already become the new norm. Having stepped down, Mikhail Drapaty plans, according to his words, to focus on personal and professional matters, as well as to contribute to enhancing Ukraine’s defense capacity in other ways. Simultaneously, the public and military experts concur that his resignation sets a precedent and will encourage other leaders to be more responsible and transparent during crises. Therefore, after this tragic event and changes in the highest military leadership, Ukraine once again reminds itself and the world of the importance of adaptability and accountability in challenging and precious times.