President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has installed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief and named Yvhenii Khmara acting defense minister, ordering an overhaul of mobilization and enlistment systems. He prioritized stronger air defenses and more humane conscription after years of strain on Ukraine's forces. Zelenskyy confirmed protests followed the dismissal of former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who rejected a vice-premier offer, and warned of a "very toxic atmosphere" around Vladimir Putin, while offering no public evidence. Kyiv says it has gained battlefield initiative even as diplomatic talks remain uncertain.
Zelenskyy Orders Military Overhaul as Kyiv Seeks Momentum and Fresh Talks — Calls Kremlin Atmosphere "Toxic"
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Teresa SUAREZ / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday ordered a broad overhaul of mobilization procedures and installed new military leaders as Kyiv seeks to sustain battlefield momentum and revive negotiations to end Russia's invasion.
New Leadership And Immediate Priorities
Zelenskyy named Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief and appointed Yvhenii Khmara as acting defense minister. He instructed the new team to improve recruitment and enlistment systems, strengthen air defenses and give mobilization "a more human face" after more than four years of intense fighting strained Ukraine's armed forces.
“Undoubtedly, both Drapatyi and Khmara will have to fulfill the main task facing us today after a long and exhausting war for everyone,”
Zelenskyy said at a news conference alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
Political Fallout And Public Reaction
The president confirmed that former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was offered the role of vice prime minister for defense innovation after his dismissal last week sparked protests in multiple cities. Fedorov declined the offer and said he would not accept another government post, amplifying political pressure on Zelenskyy. Fedorov had built broad support by promoting drones, digitizing military systems and pushing anti-corruption reforms in defense procurement.
Assessing Moscow And The Battlefield
Zelenskyy paired the personnel changes with pointed comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Kyiv's improved battlefield position has undermined confidence inside the Kremlin. “A very toxic atmosphere,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Putin "alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended" and that his circle understands the costs Russia continues to bear. He offered no public evidence of division within Putin's inner circle, and Moscow has not acknowledged such dissent.
Kyiv says it has intensified strikes on Russian military infrastructure, logistics hubs and energy facilities and that Russian forces no longer hold the operational initiative, though fighting remains difficult for Ukrainian troops.
Diplomatic Outlook
Diplomatic prospects remain uncertain. U.S. officials said Washington remains prepared to help seek an end to the war but cautioned that a rapid settlement is unlikely. Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian and U.S. teams could meet in the United States within days to discuss restarting negotiations while Kyiv continues to press Western partners for weapons, funding and stronger sanctions against Russia.
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