Synopsis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, replacing Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych. This change aims to enhance combat effectiveness as Ukraine continues to modernize its military amidst ongoing challenges.Key Takeaways
- Major General Andrii Hnatov appointed as Chief of Staff.
- Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych replaced after less than a year.
- Focus on enhancing combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces.
- Transition from brigade to corps system to improve coordination.
- Ukrainian military undergoing significant reforms.
Kyiv, March 17 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, succeeding Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych.
The official decrees dismissing Barhylevych and appointing Hnatov, available on the presidential website, did not provide specific reasons for this change.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov stated on Facebook that this shift in command is part of efforts to boost the combat effectiveness of the armed forces, as reported by Xinhua.
"We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness," Umerov commented in a Facebook post, praising Hnatov's promotion, which he recommended.
Umerov highlighted that Hnatov brings over 27 years of military experience, having previously led a marine brigade, the troops of Operational Command East, and the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry announced that Barhylevych will now serve as the chief inspector of the Ministry, tasked with ensuring adherence to military standards and enhancing discipline within the armed forces.
Barhylevych had taken on the role of Chief of the General Staff in February 2024.
As the conflict continues for over three years, Ukraine is gradually retreating on multiple fronts due to a pressing manpower shortage. Kyiv is striving to modernize its military to address persistent issues, such as command culture and resource management.
By leveraging insights from NATO partners, Ukraine is aiming to transition from a brigade structure to a corps system to foster cohesion.
"Transformation continues," Umerov reiterated in his Facebook update.
Military experts estimate that approximately 880,000 individuals are currently enlisted in the Ukrainian armed forces.
Despite facing wartime adversities, the nation has initiated reforms to move away from its Soviet past and enhance military efficacy by appointing younger commanders with combat experience and embracing innovations. Last year, Ukraine established a dedicated unmanned systems force.
At the beginning of this year, military officials in Ukraine announced the shift from a brigade-based framework to a more efficient corps system, intended to improve coordination among units along the extensive frontline exceeding 1,000 km and expedite decision-making.
