Zelensky Appoints Shapovalov Commander Ukrainian Ground Forces

President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov as the new commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces following the resignation of Mykhailo Drapatyi, who stepped down after a deadly Russian missile strike on a training ground in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Shapovalov, a career military officer born in 1978, has extensive experience, including leading the South Operational Command and serving as Ukraine's representative to the NATO Security Assistance and Training mission in Germany. His appointment, formalized by presidential decree No. 412/2025, reflects a strategic move as Ukraine continues to face intensified Russian attacks. Drapatyi, who has been reassigned to focus exclusively on combat issues as Commander of the Joint Forces, had implemented significant reforms in recruitment and command structure before his resignation. The investigation into the missile strike that caused significant Ukrainian casualties remains ongoing, with promises of accountability if misconduct is found. Shapovalov's background, including military education both in Ukraine and at the U.S. Army War College, positions him to coordinate Ukraine's ongoing defense efforts and international military cooperation.