Who is Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ukraine's new commander-in-chief?

Key Points:

• Drapatyi, a respected military commander with extensive experience in post-Soviet Ukraine, has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a move welcomed by both civil society and the military.
• Known for his humane leadership and strategic skills, Drapatyi gained recognition for his role in key operations, including liberating Mariupol in 2014 and pushing back Russian advances in several regions.
• He resigned in 2023 after a deadly Russian missile strike on a training ground, taking personal responsibility for the incident, which earned him praise for accountability and led to his appointment as commander of the Joint Forces.
• Drapatyi faces significant challenges, including mobilizing manpower, combating corruption within the military, and managing complex relations with the government, the president’s office, and Western partners.
• Analysts caution that while many expect rapid improvements under Drapatyi’s leadership, the complexity of the war and military reforms means change will take time, and he will be under intense public scrutiny.