KYIV, Ukraine — In a strategic move to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday the appointment of Andrii Hnatov as the new Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This shift is part of a broader military restructuring as the nation faces intensifying confrontations in Russia’s Kursk region and escalating tensions in Donetsk.
Andrii Hnatov steps into the role, succeeding Anatoliy Barhylevych, who had been at the helm since February 2024. The decision was communicated by the General Staff through an announcement on their Telegram channel on Sunday.
Following the announcement, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov remarked, “We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness,” emphasizing the ongoing commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s military posture.
Barhylevych will transition to his new role as the General Inspector of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry. In his new capacity, he will be charged with overseeing military standards and reinforcing discipline within the ranks. Umerov highlighted that Barhylevych remains a crucial part of the leadership team. Oleksandr Syrskyi retains his position as the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, President Zelenskyy has frequently made personnel changes within both the Ukrainian government and military sectors, seeking to adapt and respond to the dynamic challenges posed by the conflict.
This latest personnel adjustment comes as confrontations continue in Russia’s Kursk region, where the Ukrainian General Staff reported that eight combat clashes involving Ukrainian forces took place on Sunday.
In August of the previous year, Ukraine’s military delivered a surprising blow to Russia by crossing the border and reclaiming approximately 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of territory. However, Ukrainian forces are currently on the retreat, significantly impacting their strategic advantage as talks of a possible ceasefire with Russia gain traction. Russia recently declared control over Sudzha, a major town previously held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Simultaneously, Ukraine faces mounting pressure in its eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have been steadily advancing over recent months, adding to the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
