Zelensky announces new personnel changes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced new personnel and organizational changes in the Armed Forces. One of the key tasks will be strengthening the country's defense against Russian drones.

The head of state reported this on Monday, August 17. According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian military command will have to implement decisions that should increase the effectiveness of countering enemy UAVs.

The president did not disclose the list of future appointments and did not name the units that will be directly affected by the personnel reshuffles. It is also not yet reported when the relevant decisions will be finalized.

The current announcement continues the large-scale renewal of military command that began in July. On July 21, Zelensky changed the leadership of the Armed Forces: Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi became the new Commander-in-Chief, and Major General Ihor Skibiuk became the Chief of the General Staff. After that, the president stated that he expects further proposals for a personnel reboot of the army.

A separate area of changes concerns countering Russian attack drones. During 2026, Ukraine is expanding the system of so-called small air defense, in which interceptor drones are used, among other means, to destroy air targets.

In February, the Armed Forces reported the creation of a separate command for unmanned aerial defense systems. At that time, hundreds of drone crews were transferred to the operational control of the Air Force grouping, and strengthening of anti-drone protection of large settlements began in frontline regions.

In July, Zelensky also announced organizational and personnel decisions to accelerate projects for protecting Ukrainian skies. The priorities included the development of Ukrainian interception means, the anti-ballistic program "Freya," cooperation with the United States on the production of Patriot systems, and joint programs with European partners.

The new series of changes should be aimed primarily at increasing the effectiveness of existing means and organizing their use. Russian troops are constantly improving their attack drones and tactics, so the Ukrainian command is simultaneously expanding the number of interceptor crews and restructuring the air defense system.

Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky, Armed Forces of Ukraine