New Chief of Ukraine's General Staff Appointed by President Zelenskyy

Leadership Change at the Helm of Ukraine's Armed Forces General Staff

According to ХВИЛЯ: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the appointment of Major General Ihor Skybiuk as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This decision was coordinated with the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and Acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. Meanwhile, the fate of the previous leadership has been settled: Oleksandr Syrskyi and Andrii Hnatov will continue their service within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Key Priorities for the New Command

Zelenskyy outlined the top priorities for the new leadership, which include:

• Advancing cyber forces
• Training soldiers
• Strengthening military units
• Reforming the corps system

A practical and efficient mobilization process was highlighted as a central focus. The President emphasized that strikes on Russian territory must continue. Khmara will be responsible for supply chains related to deep strikes and medium-range strikes.

Ihor Skybiuk, aged 49, is a Hero of Ukraine and a recipient of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, second and third classes. He hails from Konotop in the Sumy region and began his military career in 1998 as a platoon commander in the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade. At the start of the full-scale invasion, Skybiuk commanded the same brigade, and in February 2024, he took over the Air Assault Forces. Since June 2025, he has served as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff.

This military leadership reshuffle now has its second key figure, and decrees formalizing the change in army command are being prepared for signature today. The President thanked the Defense Forces for executing the long-range sanctions plan and maintaining the rhythm of medium-range strikes. Zelenskyy assessed the front-line situation, focusing on the Olexandrivka direction, Donetsk region, and other areas of intense combat.

“Together, we determined how Oleksandr Syrskyi and Andrii Hnatov will continue to serve in the defense of our state,” stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A separate priority area is air defense, which includes the anti-ballistic missile program "Freya," as well as collaboration with the United States on licenses to produce the Patriot system and joint initiatives with European partners.

The appointment of Ihor Skybiuk as Chief of the General Staff reflects the Ukrainian leadership's strategy to bolster the country's defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. The emphasis on developing cyber forces and enhancing troop training underscores the need to adapt to modern threats. Continuing attacks on Russian territory and focusing on air defense signal Ukraine's readiness to take proactive measures in ensuring national security. The renewed military command is tasked with implementing these priorities under challenging wartime conditions.

The recent appointment of Major General Ihor Skybiuk marks a significant shift in the leadership of Ukraine's military. This change follows the earlier announcement regarding Mykhailo Drapaty's elevation to Commander-in-Chief, emphasizing a strategic overhaul aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Ukraine's Armed Forces. As the new leadership takes charge, the focus on advancing military capabilities remains paramount.