Key facts
- Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed Ukraine's new commander-in-chief on July 20.
- Drapatyi replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi, whose resignation was a demand of recent protests.
- Russian social media users and military bloggers expressed anger and concern over the appointment.
- Drapatyi, 43, has extensive combat experience dating back to 2014.
- Russian commentators noted Drapatyi's deep understanding of warfare and his perceived hatred of Russian soldiers.
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief on July 20, following several days of nationwide protests. The move has ignited fury among Russian social media users and military bloggers, who view Drapatyi as a determined and formidable opponent. Drapatyi, who has been fighting Russia since 2014, replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi. Syrskyi's dismissal was a key demand of recent mass demonstrations. Drapatyi's appointment was met with celebration by Ukrainian military personnel and protesters. Russian commentators expressed strong negative reactions. Kirill Fedorov, a Russian military blogger with a large following, shared footage of Drapatyi leading a BMP-2 breakthrough in Mariupol in 2014, highlighting his combat experience. Fedorov wrote, "He hates us, and he hates us consistently. That means he will try to kill us, regardless of any moral constraints." At 43, Drapatyi is significantly younger than his predecessor Syrskyi (60) and Russia's General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov (70). Pro-Russian blogger Yuriy Podolyaka noted that despite his age, Drapatyi possesses a deep understanding of the war, calling him "a very formidable opponent." Another Russian blogger, Alexei Zemtsov, suggested that Syrskyi's resignation was negative for Russian forces but doubted Drapatyi would remain in his post long, stating, "Unlike that blockhead Syrskyi, who just follows orders, Drapatyi genuinely hates us." Anonymous Russian users also weighed in, with one user, SV, suggesting that the removal of Syrskyi, who had Russian relatives, would give more freedom to commanders like Robert Brovdi ('Madyar'), leading to "Armageddon." Some users contrasted Ukraine's willingness to protest with Russia's perceived passivity, with one commenting, "I envy Ukrainians. These people aren't afraid of a damn thing and take to the streets at the slightest provocation." Drapatyi's military career spans the evolution of the conflict, from battalion commander in 2014 to leading forces in the liberation of Kherson and defense of Kharkiv during the full-scale invasion. He previously commanded the Ground Forces and served as head of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.