The relevant decree of the head of state No. 412/2025 was published on the Office of the President website
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Brigadier General Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The corresponding decree, number 412/2025, was published on the official website of the Office of the President.
The document states:
“Appoint Hennadiy Mykolayovych Shapovalov as Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
Hennadiy Shapovalov’s Experience
Hennadiy Shapovalov, born in 1978 in the Kirovohrad region, has extensive military experience. He graduated from the Tank Troops Institute at Kharkiv State Polytechnic University, as well as the Command and Staff Institute for the Application of Troops (Forces) at the National Defense University of Ukraine.
In addition, Shapovalov studied at the National University “Ostroh Academy” specializing in “International Relations, Public Communications, and Regional Studies.” He also completed training at the U.S. Army War College, which prepares senior officer personnel for the American Land Forces.
Previously, he served as commander of the separate motorized infantry brigade named after Yakov Handziuk. In March 2022, he was promoted to brigadier general and became head of the Main Directorate of Military Cooperation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In June 2023, Brigadier General Shapovalov joined the Commission on Coordination of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic Integration. In April 2024, he was appointed commander of the troops of the Operational Command “South,” replacing Andriy Kovalchuk, who took charge of the Odessa Military Academy.
In January 2025, Shapovalov led the Ukrainian team in the NATO mission coordinating military aid deliveries to Ukraine (NSATU).
Reasons for Changing the Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
On June 1, 2025, Russian forces launched a missile strike on one of the training units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in the deaths of 12 Ukrainian servicemen and injuries to over 60 others. A commission was established and an official investigation was launched to determine the circumstances and causes of the losses.
Against this backdrop, then-Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi announced his decision to submit a resignation letter, calling it a “conscious step” due to a “sense of responsibility” for the consequences of the Russian army’s strike.
On June 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Mykhailo Drapatyi, who had held the position since November 2024, and appointed him to lead the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian military.
Useful reading:
- Ukrainian President Zelensky has not yet chosen a new commander for the Ground Forces after Major General Drapatyi’s resignation amid recent military losses.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appoints Alona Hetmanchuk as the new head of Ukraine’s Mission to NATO, emphasizing strengthened cooperation ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague.
- The 414th Separate Brigade “Birds of Madyar” of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has a new commander, Lt. Andriy Klymenko. Major Robert Brovdi, the former commander, now leads the UAV Forces with plans to enhance drone units and launch recruitment campaigns.
