Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, replacing Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych.

The decrees announcing Barhylevych’s dismissal and Hnatov’s appointment were published on the presidential website, but no reasons for the change were provided.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov stated that the reshuffle aims to boost the armed forces’ combat effectiveness. “We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness,” Umerov wrote on Facebook, praising Hnatov’s promotion, which he said came at his recommendation.

Hnatov has over 27 years of military experience, having previously commanded a marine brigade, the troops of Operational Command East, and the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, Barhylevych has been appointed as the chief inspector of the Ministry, tasked with ensuring compliance with military standards and strengthening discipline within the armed forces.

Barhylevych began serving as the Chief of the General Staff in February 2024.

More than three years into the full-scale war, Ukraine is facing a critical manpower shortage and gradually withdrawing on multiple fronts. Kyiv is working to modernize the army and address issues like command culture and resource management.

Drawing on the experience of NATO partners, Ukraine is shifting from a brigade-based system to a corps system to improve cohesion and decision-making among forces spread along more than 1,000 km of frontline.

“Transformation continues,” Umerov added in his post.

Military analysts estimate that around 880,000 people are currently serving in the Ukrainian armed forces.

Despite ongoing wartime challenges, Ukraine continues to modernize its military, shedding its Soviet legacy by appointing younger commanders with combat experience and introducing innovations. Last year, Ukraine established a dedicated unmanned systems force to strengthen its defense capabilities.

At the start of this year, Ukrainian military officials announced plans to transition from a brigade-based system to a larger “corps” structure, aiming to improve coordination and response times on the battlefield.