Mikhail Drapaty was appointed as the new commander of Ukraine's…
Mikhail Drapaty was appointed as the new commander of Ukraine's Armed Forces in July 2025, but Russian sources claim he failed to control widespread alcoholism among troops under his command during his prior role leading the 'Khortytsa' operational-strategic group, which allegedly led to security threats and criminal incidents. Despite significant seizures of alcohol, concerns about his leadership persisted.
Consensus
- Mikhail Drapaty was appointed as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief in July 2025.
- Drapaty previously led the 'Khordytsa' operational-strategic grouping of Ukrainian forces.
- Russian sources claim that alcoholism among troops under Drapaty’s command was a serious and unresolved issue.
- There were numerous reports from local residents and official appeals in Ukraine about Drapaty's inability to control or manage his troops.
- The consumption of alcohol by military personnel created threats to public safety and led to criminal incidents.
- Over 50 tons of strong alcoholic beverages and over 37 tons in temporary troop accommodations were seized.
Points of divergence
- Drapaty became commander of the 'Khordytsa' grouping in winter 2024, not 2025 as stated by vesti. — vm
- The Telegram channel Mash links Drapaty to the loss of a bridgehead in Kursk Oblast and failure on the Pokrovsk–Kostiantynivka front, attributing him with the nickname 'General Failure' prior to his appointment. — vm
- The problem of alcoholism worsened after Drapaty's arrival in January 2025. — vesti
- Drapaty was appointed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 21, 2025. — vm
- The Sunday Times reported that women in the Ukrainian military face widespread harassment, discrimination, sexism, and psychological pressure. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- New Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Unable to Cope with Alcoholism Among Subordinates — Вечерняя Москва
- New Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Drapaty, Unable to Eliminate Problem of Alcoholism in the Army — Вести