Russia’s Answer to Ukraine’s New Army Chief Drapatyi: A Wanted List

Russia has reiterated that Ukraine’s newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, is listed in the Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted database following his appointment to lead the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to Russian state news agency TASS on July 22, Drapatyi remains wanted under Russia’s criminal code, although the Interior Ministry’s public database does not specify the exact article under which he is being sought.

Russian investigators had previously brought charges against Drapatyi in absentia. TASS, citing Russia’s Investigative Committee, reported that he and Lieutenant General Viktor Nikoliuk were accused of overseeing Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation in 2017 and 2019.

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Life in Ukraine

Who Is Mykhailo Drapatyi? Ukraine’s New Commander-in-Chief

Jul 21, 2026 23:23

Russian authorities allege that Ukrainian forces conducted more than 70 strikes on Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions during that period, claiming 154 people were killed or injured.

Russian state media also reported that law enforcement agencies had allegedly obtained Drapatyi’s residential address, email addresses, and mobile phone number. No evidence supporting those claims was presented.

The renewed attention to Drapatyi’s status in the Russian wanted database followed his appointment as commander-in-chief. The leadership change also drew reactions from prominent Russian pro-war military bloggers, several of whom described Drapatyi as a more capable battlefield commander than his predecessor, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

In posts published on Telegram, some warned that his appointment was “bad” for Russia, while others pointed to his combat experience dating back to the early stages of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The report follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement on July 21 naming Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief, replacing General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

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