Ukraine's new top general is a 43-year-old maverick whose bold moves began 12 years ago with a 'flying' armored vehicle

Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed Ukraine's new commander in chief on Tuesday. Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP Ukraine has a new commander in chief, the 43-year-old brigadier general, Mykhailo Drapatyi. His war track record and reputation for pushing for innovation have made him a public favorite. His appointment comes amid days of political turmoil after the ousting of the popular defense minister. Mykhailo Drapatyi, one of Ukraine's youngest generals, is now the country's commander in chief, following the sacking of his predecessor, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed the 43-year-old Drapatyi after days of mass protests over the dismissal of the country's defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Thousands had gathered last week in Kyiv and other major cities to call for the reinstatement of the 35-year-old Fedorov, seen as a champion of the direly needed modernization of Ukraine's military.