Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Strikes with Military Purge After Russia Hits
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a meeting of European leaders (Image credit X.com)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Announced Military Leadership Reshuffle
By TRH News Desk
NEW DELHI, June 4, 2025 –Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a significant military leadership reshuffle following a reported underwater attack on the Kerch Bridge, a critical link between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that it had been in preparation for several months and involved the use of 1,100 kg of explosives in TNT equivalent.
“In a series of decrees published on Tuesday, Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces, following Drapatyi’s resignation as commander of the Land Forces after a Russian missile attack on a training center in the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in 12 servicemen killed and over 60 injured,” said TRT World in a news report on Wednesday.
The military leadership also followed close on the heels of Ukraine stunning the world with precision drone attacks against the Russian bombers.
Robert Brovdi was named the new commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, specializing in drone warfare, replacing Vadym Sukharevskyi. “Additionally, Ihor Skybiuk was dismissed as commander of the Air Assault Forces, with Oleh Apostol appointed as his successor,” added the Ankara-based news portal.
Oleksandr Bilous was also relieved of his duties as deputy commander of Ukraine’s National Guard. Zelenskyy in a video address emphasized the need for focused leadership on the front lines, stating that “Drapatyi’s new role would allow him to concentrate on the front one hundred percent.”
He also indicated that responsibilities related to training and recruitment would be managed by another individual, though no further details were provided.
The military leadership shakeup came amid Ukraine stepping up offensives against Russia to cripple Moscow’s military might. Russia and Ukraine are also holding peace talks in Turkey.
The SBU’s statement on the Kerch Bridge operation highlighted that the underwater supports were severely damaged at the bottom level, rendering the bridge irreparable. Lieutenant General Vasyl Malysh, head of the SBU, personally supervised the operation, with coordination from Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence.
These developments mark a significant escalation in Ukraine’s strategic operations and military leadership restructuring amid ongoing tensions in the region. Ukraine’s critics warned that drone attacks on Russian bombers risk significant escalation which may spread beyond Ukraine and Russia.
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