Mykhailo Fedorov

Force in Play

Out of office; protesters demand his return

Ukraine changed the general running its war. On July 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky named Mykhailo Drapatyi, a 43-year-old combat commander, to replace 60-year-old Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Updated Jul 22

Rule Changes

Announced and now oversees the export mechanism

Ukraine's arms makers now build more weapons than their own government can afford to buy. On July 1, 2026, the Cabinet approved the first formal procedure to sell that surplus abroad, ending a de facto export freeze in place since Russia's full-scale invasion.

Updated Jul 2

Force in Play

Architect of Ukraine-SpaceX cooperation on terminal blocking

Ukraine's military has depended on Starlink satellite internet since the first week of Russia's 2022 invasion. On February 5, 2026, SpaceX cut off Russian forces from that network, collapsing command systems and halving daily assault operations within hours.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

Nominated January 2, 2026 amid military restructuring

Russia continues massive winter strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians amid advancing trilateral peace talks. A week after the February 4-5 Abu Dhabi round yielded a 314-POW exchange and US-Russia military dialogue, Russia launched major attacks including 408 drones/39 missiles on February 6-7 targeting energy substations and the February 13 assault with 219 drones/24 missiles killing one in Odesa. Zelenskyy accused Russia of bad faith while confirming a third round of talks for next week.

Updated May 19