KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday appointed Andrii Hnatov as the brand new Chief of the Common Employees of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, because the nation appears to be like to restructure and strengthen its navy amid ongoing fight in Russia’s Kursk region and rising stress in Donetsk.
Hnatov changed Anatoliy Barhylevych, who held the place since February 2024. The appointment was introduced by the Common Employees by way of its Telegram channel on Sunday.
“We’re systematically reworking the Armed Forces of Ukraine to reinforce their fight effectiveness,” Protection Minister Rustem Umerov stated.
Barhylevych will now function the Common Inspector of Ukraine’s Protection Ministry. Umerov emphasised that Barhylevych would “stay a part of the crew,” overseeing navy requirements and strengthening self-discipline within the military.
Oleksandr Syrskyi stays in place as Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Zelenskyy has made frequent personnel modifications throughout the Ukrainian authorities and navy since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
This transformation in personnel comes as combating continues in Russia’s Kursk area, the place Ukraine’s Common Employees stated that Ukrainian troops had been concerned in eight fight clashes on Sunday.
Ukraine’s military stunned Russia in August final 12 months by attacking throughout the border and taking management of an estimated 1,300 sq. kilometers (500 sq. miles) of land, however Ukraine’s forces are actually in retreat—which means Ukraine has all however misplaced a beneficial bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia. On Friday, Russia claimed management of Sudzha, the biggest city that Ukraine had occupied within the Kursk area.
Ukraine can be battling underneath rising stress in its japanese Donetsk area, the place Russian troops have been advancing for months.