On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy replaced, for the third time in less than a year, the commander of a crucial Ukrainian military unit tasked with defending the eastern town of Pokrovsk against heightened threats from Russian forces.
During his evening video address, Zelenskiy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, which plays a vital role in safeguarding much of Ukraine's eastern front. Zelenskiy emphasized the challenging nature of the region, stating that he had discussed the decision with Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The potential capture of Pokrovsk by Russia would bring them closer to gaining control over the entire Donetsk region, a strategic objective for President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky highlighted that Drapatyi's new role aims to harmonize army combat operations with brigade training, underscoring the importance of aligning staffing and training standards with frontline necessities.
To facilitate this transition, Drapatyi will succeed Major General Andriy Hnatov, who led the Khortytsia group since June and will now serve as Deputy Chief of the General Staff overseeing training and communication.
Russian forces' ongoing advancement towards Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, particularly from the south in an attempt to disrupt supply lines to Ukrainian troops, has raised concerns.
Pokrovsk, previously home to approximately 60,000 people, stands as a vital defensive bastion in the Donetsk region, witnessing relentless combat for months.