On June 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Hennadiy Shapovalov as Commander of the Ukrainian Army, replacing the commander who resigned after the Russian army advanced deep into Kiev's training area.
Shapovalov was previously a communications officer at a NATO coordination center in Germany. He previously held the position of Commander of the forces of the Southern combat Command.
Speaking later in his video address overnight, Mr Zelensky affirmed that Mr. Shapovalov's experience working with NATO will be well utilized to make changes in the Ukrainian armed forces.
"All this useful experience in coordination and all the practical combat experience of our soldiers must be applied right now in the Ukrainian army," Zelensky said.
According to the Ukrainian President, the appointment of Mr. Shapovalov is necessary.
Shapovalov will take over as military chief of staff from Mykhailo Drapatyi, who submitted his resignation this month after Russia successfully launched a training area in southeastern Ukraine.
