Who is Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ukraine's new commander-in-chief?
Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, succeeding Oleksandr Syrskyi. Drapatyi is widely respected for his field experience and reputation as a strong, humane leader.
Why it matters
Leadership changes in the Ukrainian military during an ongoing invasion are highly significant for the country's defense strategy and national morale.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, is seen as a "humane and strong" military leader
Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, has replaced Oleksandr Syrskyi as Ukraine's commander-in-chief - the third since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
His nomination has been welcomed by both civil society and the military. Drapatyi's name was chanted during protests that started off backing his friend, ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, but ended up demanding Syrskyi's dismissal.
"There's no better person for this position nowadays in Ukraine," one Ukrainian soldier told the BBC.
Drapatyi's support rests on years of military experience in post-Soviet Ukraine, his skills as field general and his reputation for being a humane and strong commander among the military.
He graduated from the Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops in 2004 and began serving as a lieutenant.
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