# Mykhailo Drapatyi Ukrainian general, born 21 November 1982 in Kamianets-Podilskyi (Reuters; Wikipedia). Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine since July 21–22, 2026 (announced July 21; decree dated July 22). In 2024 he became the youngest-ever commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces (Reuters). Earlier vault wording called him the youngest-ever Commander-in-Chief; no source found says that (corrected 2026-10-06). Nicknamed "The Flying BMP." Career shaped entirely by the post-2014 wars against Russia; represents a generational shift from Soviet-trained senior leadership. Previously commanded the Joint Forces and the Khortytsia operational-strategic group (eastern front). Known for pushing decentralized command, improved recruitment and training, and integration of drone/unmanned systems. Appointed to replace [[Oleksandr Syrsky]] after mass protests demanded a change in military leadership. ## See also - [[Ukrainian Armed Forces Command Structure]] — the command structure he now leads - [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] — the conflict he commands - [[Volodymyr Zelensky]] — the president who appointed him - [[Mykhailo Fedorov]] — the defence minister whose firing triggered the leadership crisis