Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially approved a new leadership team within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, making an important personnel move that could significantly influence the country’s further defense strategy
An executive order was published on the official website of the Office of the President of Ukraine, appointing Gennadiy Shapovalov as Commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces—one of the key components of the country's defense system. This decision represents a logical continuation of the distinguished military career of this highly respected officer, who previously served as Commander of the Operational Command "South." In that role, he was responsible for the operations in the southern front sectors, and his professional training and combat experience became additional arguments for his promotion. Incidentally, he left that position at the end of February 2025, opening the way for new challenges and responsibilities. According to publicly available sources, Gennadiy Shapovalov has substantial combat experience dating back to his promotion to brigadier general in March 2022. By that time, he was already known as a highly professional officer, with service that included leading military units of various levels. In January 2025, he was mentioned in the context of international contacts: Zelensky, in Wiesbaden, emphasized the necessity of coordinating security assistance to Ukraine, and Shapovalov was responsible for establishing cooperation with foreign partners. Biographically, Gennadiy Shapovalov was born in 1978 in the Kirovohrad region. His military path began with his studies in 2000 at the Tank Troops Institute at the Kharkiv State Polytechnic University, which he graduated with honors. Subsequently, he received additional education at the Command-Staff Institute of Troops (Forces) of the National Defence University of Ukraine in 2012, also achieving high marks. His military career includes positions such as platoon commander of tanks and leadership roles in motorized infantry units. Prior to his current appointment, he commanded the separate Yakov Handziuk Motorized Infantry Brigade. This personnel change takes place amid sharp challenges facing the Ukrainian military. On June 1, Russian forces conducted a missile strike on a training unit of the Ground Forces, resulting in tragic consequences—at least 12 fatalities and over 60 wounded. On the same day, Commander of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Mikhail Drapaty, was compelled to submit his resignation, acknowledging that he was unable to fully ensure security during the attack and to carry out his assigned duties. However, it later emerged that Drapaty remained in service and continued his duties. On June 3, President Zelensky appointed Mikhail Drapaty as Commander of the Joint Forces, focusing him solely on combat and defense operations. This decision indicates confidence in the lieutenant general, whose role is crucial in shaping the defense strategy at the highest level. Thus, both the new Commander of the Ground Forces and his colleague from the Joint Forces play key roles in countering the aggression and strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. These personnel shifts reflect the significance and complexity of today’s military challenges for the country, as well as Ukraine’s determination to maintain a high level of combat readiness and professionalism within its military structures. At the same time, they demonstrate the trust of senior command in military personnel with experience and notable achievements in the struggle for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.