Zelenskyy replaces Ground Forces commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Sviatoslav Zaiets as commander of the Ground Forces by presidential decree.

Source: presidential decrees No. 853/2026, No. 852/2026l; Armyinform

Quote: "Sviatoslav Anatoliiovych Zaiets shall be appointed as commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine".

Details: In a separate decree, Zelenskyy relieved Hennadii Shapovalov from his post as Ground Forces commander. Shapovalov was appointed to the role in June 2025.

For reference: Sviatoslav Zaiets comes from the Airborne Assault Forces. In 2014, he commanded a reconnaissance company of the 25th Airborne Brigade during the annexation of Crimea. After the unit was blocked by Russian forces, Zaiets led his personnel out to mainland Ukraine.

He subsequently served as chief of staff and deputy commander of the 8th Airborne Assault Forces Corps.

In April 2026, Zaiets took command of the 20th Army Corps, and in May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conferred the rank of Brigadier General upon him.

During his command of the corps, Zaiets focused on the digitalisation of command and control and the development of unmanned systems deployment. He will now lead the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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