Ukrainians across the country respond to the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty as the new army chief, with both soldiers and civilians expressing initial approval. At the same time, many continue to demand the return of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose sudden removal triggered the largest war-related protests since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Multiple outlets report that public support for Drapaty reflects a desire for leadership changes within Ukraine’s military command structure, alongside ongoing concerns about wartime governance and effectiveness. Protest activity and political pressure remain centered on the question of whether Fedorov should be reinstated to a senior government role.
The reports indicate that the appointment is widely received as a noteworthy development, but it does not resolve the broader dissatisfaction that followed Fedorov’s dismissal. Instead, calls for his return persist even as Drapaty takes over as army commander.
