Ukraine's Zelenskyy dismisses Brigadier General Hnatov as Joint Forces Commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially dismissed Brigadier General Andrii Hnatov as commander of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following his appointment as deputy chief of the General Staff in January.

Hnatov had held the position since June 26, 2024, replacing Yurii Sodol. His reassignment was part of a broader restructuring of Ukraine’s military leadership, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

In late January, Zelenskyy announced that Hnatov would transition to the General Staff to serve as a deputy chief, highlighting his new responsibilities. “His task is a new level of training of operational headquarters and a higher quality of interaction between the headquarters and the front," the president stated at the time. He also noted that the decision was made in consultation with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, adding that "tasks have been set at all levels."

While serving as Joint Forces commander, Hnatov also led the Khortytsia operational-strategic group. Following his reassignment, Zelenskyy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, to take over leadership of the Khortytsia group.

Prior to his role as Joint Forces commander, Hnatov served as the deputy commander of the Southern Operational Command. His move to the General Staff is seen as part of ongoing efforts to enhance Ukraine’s military coordination amid the ongoing war.

By Vugar Khalilov