"He's not a magician": Focus explored whether Drapaty can stabilize the situation on the front lines.

On Sunday, January 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy as the head of the operational-strategic grouping of troops "Khortytsia". He noted that the fiercest battles are taking place there.

However, according to the president, Drapatiy will retain his powers as the commander of the Ground Forces — the largest component of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

"This will help combine the army's combat operations with the proper training of brigades. The needs of the front should determine the standards for staffing and training brigades," said Volodymyr Zelensky.

Drapatiy Leads OSUV "Khortytsia": What Changes Can He Bring to the Front?

Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the AFU, stated that Drapatiy is the most prepared and authoritative combat commander. According to Romanenko, he is a general capable of resolving issues in favor of the AFU under challenging conditions.

He noted that the position of commander of the Ground Forces is about preparation. In his view, Drapatiy was appointed to change the functions of the TCC, which are subordinate to the Ground Forces. However, mobilization issues cannot be resolved within the AFU; they are more a matter for the government and the president. As a result, Drapatiy has been returned to address "more complex issues".

When asked if Mykhailo Drapatiy could stabilize the situation at the front, Romanenko replied that time will tell.

"He is not a magician with a wand to implement certain capabilities. For a time, in certain areas — perhaps, but overall, we need to address issues that are not being resolved. For example, replenishing personnel in the units. Mobilization has not been conducted properly for three years, hence the consequences," added Ihor Romanenko.

"I hope that the new appointment should stabilize all the problems that currently exist at those fronts — Kurakhove, Toretsk. It is believed that where Drapatiy is, the situation stabilizes," said Ivan Stupak.

He emphasized that he understands perfectly well that Drapatiy is not a magician and cannot conjure everything to be "super-duper" in five seconds, but he will address some key points. According to Stupak, the main goal now is to slow down the pace of the Russians’ advance, while the maximum task is to completely halt the enemy.

"Therefore, we set the minimum; we need to somehow minimize their advance by 50-60%," concluded the analyst.

Drapatiy — The Last Hope? What the Military Thinks

Ukrainian serviceman Stanislav Bunyatov, with the call sign "Osman", stated that reasonable personnel changes in the army are good, but in the near term, this will only help not worsen the current situation, while right now — this is "already good". However, only combat-ready brigades and authoritative commanders can stabilize the situation in the short term; work needs to be done to replenish them, believes "Osman".

"We shouldn't place our hopes for saving the front on Drapatiy; he is a sensible general, but not a magician. I expect Drapatiy to assume the position of Commander-in-Chief soon," said Stanislav Bunyatov.

A soldier of the AFU on his Telegram channel "Bakhmut Demon" noted that he agrees with "Osman" that Drapatiy can stabilize the situation, but there is a need to strengthen the brigades, the system itself, and trained personnel, as well as reserves.

Lieutenant of the AFU with the call sign "Alex" believes that Drapatiy's appointment as commander of OSUV "Khortytsia" may improve the situation in that area of responsibility.

"This general, through his actions, attitude, and approach to military management, demonstrates that he is one of that small cohort of people who truly want to win the war and are doing everything possible for that," emphasized the officer.

What is Known About Mykhailo Drapatiy?

Mykhailo Drapatiy began his service in the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. In 2014, he commanded the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the brigade. From 2015 to 2016, he served as the chief of staff of the 30th Mechanized Brigade, and from 2016 to 2019, he was the commander of the 58th Mechanized Brigade.

At the onset of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in 2022, he was the Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces of the AFU for troop training. However, by March, he led the Operational Command "South", which later became part of the Operational Command "Kherson". In 2022, he was one of the commanders overseeing the liberation of the right bank of the Kherson region.

In February 2024, Drapatiy was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff for troop training. But by May, he was also heading the Operational Command "Kharkiv" following the onset of a new enemy offensive in the Kharkiv region.

In September, he commanded the Operational Command "Luhansk", and on November 29, he was appointed commander of the Ground Forces of the AFU.

On December 13, Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy announced that The Ground Forces are expecting a large-scale transformation, which will impact the situation at the front in favor of Ukraine. Primarily, the reforms will concern the recruitment and training procedures for fighters.