Gennady Shapovalov was appointed as the new commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNIAN reports, BTA reports.
He takes the place of General Mykhailo Drapatiy, who was dismissed from his post in early June. The appointment was confirmed by Decree No. 412/2025 of President Volodymyr Zelensky of June 19, published on the website of the head of state.
The document states: “I appoint Gennady Nikolayevich Shapovalov as commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.“
Until recently, the post was held by General Mykhailo Drapatiy. On June 1, a Russian missile strike hit a training unit of the Ground Forces. The attack killed 12 soldiers and injured more than 60. On the same day, Drapatiy resigned, admitting that he had failed to carry out his orders and prevent the tragedy.
Two days later, President Zelensky appointed Drapatiy as commander of the Joint Forces, and the command of the Ground Forces remained vacant as of June 3.
The newly appointed General Shapovalov was the commander of the operational command "South", and in early February he announced that he was leaving his post. Shortly before that, in mid-January, the president appointed him as coordinator of international military assistance to Ukraine.