Kiev, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian President Voldy Mirzelensky appointed Andry Knatov as the new chief of the Ukrainian military's general staff on Sunday.
Hnatov replaced Anatoliy Barhylevych, who had held the position since February 2024. The appointment was announced by public staff via the Telegram Channel on Sunday.
“We are systematically transforming Ukrainian military forces to increase the effectiveness of combat,” Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said.
Barhylevych is currently the general inspector of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Umerov emphasized that Barhylevych “continue to be a part of the team”, overseeing military standards and strengthening military discipline.
Oleksandr Syrskyi exists as commander of the Ukrainian army.
Zelenskyy has frequently changed personnel changes within the Ukrainian government and military since Russia began a full-scale invasion in 2022.
The change in officials said Ukrainian general staff were involved in eight combat clashes on Sunday as the fight continues in Russia's Kursk region.
The Ukrainian army attacked across the border last August, shocking Russia by controlling an estimated 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of land, but the Ukrainian army is now retreating. On Friday, Russia claimed control of Suda, the largest town occupied by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Ukraine is also fighting amid growing pressure in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months.
