In recent developments, General Dmytro Drapaty has implemented a significant reshuffle within Ukraine’s military leadership, transferring dozens of officers and generals to reserve status. Reports indicate that around 15 officers were reassigned from the international cooperation management division of the General Staff in just one day, which marks an unprecedented scale for the Reserve Officer Battalion (BRez) over the past 45 days.
Among those moved to the BRez are key commanders such as Oleksiy Maistrenko of the 11th Corps, Oleksandr Bakulin of the 19th Corps, Andriy Malinovskyi, the commander of Rocket Forces and Artillery, and Oleksandr Nesterenko, the deputy commander of the Ground Forces.
Notably, Maistrenko learned about his dismissal through media reports during a video conference, prompting him to question its validity during a briefing.
Additionally, General Drapaty has reinstated several officers who were previously sidelined under his predecessors. Notably, Serhiy Sobka, who was unexpectedly reassigned to the 11th Corps after serving in the Territorial Defense Command, and Emil Ishkulov, who was moved to the 7th Airborne Corps after refusing to command the 80th Brigade due to lack of resources, have now been given significant roles. Sobka is now the acting deputy chief of the General Staff, while Ishkulov leads the 11th Corps responsible for the defense of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region.
The report also highlights a trend within the Ground Forces, where many positions are now held by airborne troops, citing Igor Skibyuk, who has taken over the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
When questioned about his autonomy in making personnel decisions, General Drapaty affirmed that he faced no significant opposition. However, concerns remain regarding the status of various individuals in temporary acting roles rather than fully appointed positions, leading to speculation about the constraints on his decision-making authority.
Context
- As reported on September 29, General Drapaty initiated a review process of officers within the General Staff of the Armed Forces, aiming to retain those with combat experience in key positions.
