General Shapovalov led the Ukrainian Ground Forces for over a year
General Shapovalov, who has been at the helm of the Ukrainian Ground Forces since June 2025, has been relieved of his duties by President Zelensky. Before this appointment, he managed the operational command in the ‘South’.
In a swift move, the same day, President Zelensky appointed General Svyatoslav Zaets to replace him. According to reports, General Zaets is a veteran of the Air Assault Forces, having commanded a reconnaissance company of the 25th Airborne Brigade during the 2014 occupation of Crimea. After his unit was encircled by Russian forces, he successfully led his men to safety on the mainland of Ukraine.
In April 2026, Zaets took command of the 20th Army Corps and was later awarded the rank of Brigadier General in May.
