Ukraine Appoints New Commanders for Joint Forces, Air Assault, and Unmanned Aerial Systems

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced key changes to the command structure of Ukraine’s Armed Forces on June 3, aiming to improve battlefield effectiveness.

Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, who also serves as the commander of the Operational-Strategic Grouping of Troops (OSUV) “Khortytsia,” was appointed as the commander of the Joint Forces. Zelenskyy explained that Drapatyi will focus exclusively on combat-related matters.

In his evening address, President Zelenskyy noted:

“Mykhailo Drapatyi will concentrate solely on combat issues and has been appointed commander of the Joint Forces to focus 100% on the front. As for the Land Forces system, including training, preparation, and changes in the Training and Combat Center, another person will handle those responsibilities.”

Oleh Apostol has taken command of the Air Assault Forces. Apostol previously led air assault units during the liberation of Kharkiv region in early September 2022. He is a Hero of Ukraine, awarded the Order of the Gold Star , and in 2024 was appointed Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Robert “Madyar” Brovdi is now the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF). Under his leadership, the “Madyar’s Birds” unit became the 414th Separate Battalion of Strike Drone Aviation Systems, expanding expertise and training in drone warfare and radio reconnaissance. Brovdi has received several state awards, including the title Hero of Ukraine.

“Today, we approved the appointment of Oleh Apostol as commander of the Air Assault Forces. And Robert Brovdi as commander of the USF. This is also a greater focus on combat matters. The successful experience of the best brigades should be scaled across the entire army,” Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, Vadym Sukharevskyi was relieved of his position as commander of the USF and appointed Deputy Commander of the Operational Command “East.” Former Air Assault Forces commander Ihor Skybyuk was named Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On June 2, President Zelenskyy shared updates on the negotiations following a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, including discussions on prisoner exchanges, the return of fallen soldiers, and the issue of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.

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