Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, said President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed him to intensify offensive operations and modernize the country’s armed forces.

Drapatyi replaced Oleksandr Syrskyi after Zelensky dismissed him following days of public protests over recent military leadership changes.

The leadership shake-up was sparked by the removal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was widely credited with advancing Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities.

Drapatyi said his priorities include carrying out deeper operations inside Russian territory and improving military technology, DPA has reported.

The change marks Ukraine’s second replacement of its top military commander since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.