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Today, we will discuss how recent high-profile military appointments in Ukraine and Russia highlight stark contrasts in leadership choices and their potential implications for the future of the war.
On November 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, accompanied by Colonel Oleh Apostol as Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reappointed Colonel General Rustam Muradov, previously dismissed for catastrophic failures, as the First Deputy Commander of the Russian Ground Forces. These divergent choices underscore the differing priorities and challenges facing the two nations.
The selection of Mykhailo Drapaty represents a continued emphasis by Ukraine on meritocracy and operational effectiveness. Drapaty’s track record speaks volumes: he stabilized critical fronts in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, halting Russian advances near Liptsi and Vovchansk. Even under politically complex and militarily strained conditions, he maintained order and delivered results. His leadership during his tenure with the Operational Tactical Groups Kharkiv and Luhansk earned him widespread praise. Feedback from soldiers further reflects Drapaty’s hands-on approach. Drapaty is well known for taking part in the earliest stages of the war back in 2014 when he participated in one of the most famous operations of the Ukrainian army in winning back Mariupol from enemy control.
A video shows an armored personnel carrier with him on board storming a barricade, erected on one of the main roads to the city by pro-Russian separatists. His actions have earned him a reputation with Ukrainian soldiers, one of whom highlights his familiarity with frontline conditions and his equal treatment of troops, qualities that foster respect and trust within the ranks.
A chief of staff in the 12th Azov Brigade approved of the appointments but expressed regret that such decisions were made only after significant setbacks. However, the praise for Drapaty’s and Apostol’s professionalism and competence is overwhelming, with many viewing them as essential to much-needed reforms and battlefield successes.
Oleh Apostol, another celebrated figure, brings his leadership from the 95th Air Assault Brigade, a unit that performed admirably in high-stakes operations, including halting Russian advances in Toretsk and conducting offensives in Kursk. These appointments reflect a commitment to adaptive, results-oriented leadership and underline the Ukrainian military's goal of sustaining momentum on the battlefield.
In stark contrast, the reappointment of Colonel General Rustam Muradov to a senior leadership role in the Russian Ground Forces signals a prioritization of loyalty over competence. Muradov’s tenure as the commander of the Eastern Military District and the Eastern Grouping of Forces was marked by repeated failures.
His leadership during the disastrous offensive near Vuhledar in early 2023 resulted in staggering personnel and equipment losses, leaving entire brigades decimated in pointless frontal assaults. This debacle earned widespread criticism from Russian military bloggers and analysts, who have now renewed their objections following Muradov’s reappointment.
The decision to reinstate Muradov highlights systemic issues within the Russian military command. Rather than selecting leaders based on battlefield performance, the Kremlin appears to prioritize those who demonstrate unquestioning loyalty to Moscow. While this approach may ensure adherence to political directives, it undermines Russia’s operational effectiveness, as evidenced by repeated tactical failures.
Ukrainian soldiers have reacted positively to Drapaty’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead and implement necessary changes. His reputation for competence, fairness, and strategic acumen resonates with troops who have experienced his leadership firsthand. This morale boost is crucial for a military engaged in protracted and high-stakes operations.
Conversely, the reaction to Muradov’s reappointment within Russian ranks and the broader military community has been deeply skeptical. Russian military bloggers have openly criticized the decision, viewing it as emblematic of the Ministry of Defense’s inability to hold failed leaders accountable. This frustration compounds existing issues of low morale among Russian troops, who are already grappling with inadequate supplies, harsh conditions, and unclear objectives.
The contrasting appointments reveal much about the strategic cultures of Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine’s focus on capable, field-tested leaders suggests a military intent on sustaining its counteroffensive momentum and adapting to evolving battlefield conditions. Drapaty’s appointment signals a readiness to implement reforms and refine operational strategies, positioning Ukraine for continued success.
On the other hand, Russia’s decision to reappoint Muradov indicates a rigid and insular command structure, more concerned with political loyalty than operational outcomes. This decision is likely to perpetuate the cycle of ineffective tactics, such as the costly frontal assaults that have defined much of Russia’s campaign. Without a shift toward merit-based leadership, the Russian military risks further stagnation and attrition.
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