Ukraine Appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as New Military Commander-in-Chief
President Zelenskyy's decision follows leadership protests, while secret German-Russian talks on ending the war are confirmed.
The day on the war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi. The appointment, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant shake-up in Ukraine's military leadership, occurring more than four years into the war with Russia.
Drapatyi, 43, previously led Ukraine's land forces from 2024 to 2025 and is described as a respected and experienced commander. This change follows days of nationwide protests and political pressure stemming from a surprise governmental reshuffle that saw the dismissal of popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week. The move also highlights underlying tensions within Ukraine's military establishment regarding strategic approaches, with some advocating for technology-driven warfare and others preferring traditional methods.
Along the front
Kharkov Sector
Development: Russian forces claim to have taken control of Volokhovskoye and are battling for Yurchenkovo and Zakharovka.
Source: Военное дело (Russian military publication)
Konstantinovka Sector
Development: Russian forces are advancing on the flanks of Konstantinovka along the Nikolaypolye-Stenki-Chasov Yar line and have begun an assault on Nikolayevka.
Source: Военное дело (Russian military publication)
Dobropolye Sector
Development: Russian units are pushing forward on the outskirts of Annovka and pressing Ukrainian positions near Dobropolye and Belitskoye.
Source: Военное дело (Russian military publication)
Gulyaypole Sector
Development: Russian forces have made progress west of Kopani, expanding their control south of Poddubnoye and moving toward Mirnoye.
Source: Военное дело (Russian military publication)
Strikes & the grid
Across Ukraine
What: Russia launched four missiles and 216 attack drones overnight on July 22. Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted most targets, but some strikes were successful.
Toll: Some strikes got through; specific casualties or damage not immediately detailed by the source.
Southern Russia and occupied Crimea
What: Ukrainian strikes reportedly caused massive fires in several southern Russian cities and blackouts across occupied Crimea overnight on July 22, targeting retail logistics facilities.
Toll: Massive fires and blackouts reported.
Diplomacy & talks
Informal German-Russian talks. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that former German and Russian officials held secret talks in Baku earlier this month to discuss potential ways to end the war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denied any German government involvement.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- Observers will monitor the impact of Ukraine's new military commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, on battlefield strategy and civil-military relations.
- The international community will watch for any further details or official statements regarding the reported secret German-Russian talks in Baku.
- Ongoing efforts by US senators to pass the Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness (SABER) Act, which would allow frozen Russian assets to be used for Ukraine's military equipment, remain a legislative focus.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.