Zelensky Replaces Commander of Ground Forces

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Brigadier General Sviatoslav Zaiets as commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda reported. In a separate decree, he dismissed Hennadii Shapovalov, who had held the position since June 2025.

Zaiets comes from the airborne assault forces. During the annexation of Crimea in 2014, he commanded a reconnaissance company of the 25th Airborne Brigade. When the unit was surrounded by Russian forces, he led his troops to mainland Ukraine.

He later served as chief of staff and deputy commander of the 8th Airborne Assault Corps. In April 2026, he assumed command of the 20th Army Corps, and a month later the president promoted him to the rank of brigadier general.

During his tenure as corps commander, he focused on digitizing command and control as well as expanding the use of unmanned systems. He will now lead the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

(Ukrainska Pravda, bak)