Ukraine's New Military Chief Told to Push the Offensive

On July 22, 2026, Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi — appointed Commander-in-Chief the previous day — said he was tasked with intensifying counteroffensive operations. The 43-year-old replaces Oleksandr Syrskyi, who focused on defensive consolidation along the eastern front. Analyst Mykola Bielieskov cautioned that Drapatyi's operational ambition will face structural constraints from the president's office, government, and Western partners.