(CLO) On January 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to replace the commander of the key military force protecting the eastern city of Pokrovsk for the third time in less than a year.
The decision comes as the city faces a high risk of falling into the hands of the Russian military.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
In his daily video address, Mr. Zelenskyy announced that he had appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, the new commander of the Ukrainian Army, to command the Khortytsia combat force, responsible for defending much of Ukraine's eastern front.
"These are the areas of the most intense fighting," Mr. Zelenskyy emphasized, adding that he had discussed the decision with Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The city of Pokrovsk, with a pre-war population of about 60,000, is considered one of Ukraine's key defensive bastions in the Donetsk region, where fierce fighting has been taking place for months.
If Russia captures Pokrovsk, it will move closer to controlling the entire Donetsk region, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's top strategic goals in the war in Ukraine.
According to reports from the battlefield, Russian forces have been advancing gradually towards Pokrovsk, mainly from the south, with the intention of cutting off important Ukrainian supply lines.
Mr. Zelenskyy said the appointment of Major General Drapatyi is aimed at combining field operations and training for Ukrainian army brigades.
Major General Drapatyi will replace Major General Andriy Hnatov, who has been commanding Khortytsia since June 2024. Mr. Hnatov will take on the role of Deputy Chief of the General Staff, focusing on training and military communications.
The change of command reflects the growing pressure on Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggressive offensive in the Donetsk region. Analysts say Kiev is struggling to shore up its defenses while balancing the need to fight now and prepare for the next phase of the war.
Previously, the Zelenskyy administration had repeatedly adjusted its military strategy to adapt to developments on the battlefield, but the constant change of senior personnel also raised questions about stability and effectiveness in war management.
Although Ukraine continues to receive military support from the West, the situation on the Donetsk front remains a major challenge as Russia continues to increase pressure with the goal of realizing its ambition to completely control the region.
Cao Phong (according to AJ, Reuters, CNN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-ukraine-thay-chi-huy-mat-tran-phia-dong-lan-thu-ba-trong-mot-nam-post332152.html
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