In a surprise move to enhance the fighting power of Ukraine’s military, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Andrii Hnatov as the country’s new head of general staff on Sunday, replacing Anatoliy Barhylevych. The development comes as Ukraine battles stepped up protests in Russia’s Kursk region & mounting pressure in the eastern Donetsk region.
“We are steadily reorganizing the armed forces of Ukraine to raise their combat capability,” by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in his comments following the announcement on the official Telegram channel of the General Staff. His appointment is the latest move by Zelenskyy to shake up Ukraine’s military leadership during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Anatoliy Barhylevych who is in his capacity since February this year will move to the position of a general inspector at Ukraine’s defense ministry. Umerov underlined that S. Barhylevych will go on working to hold high military standards and discipline of military personnel. 
The personnel change is happening as Ukrainian forces fight intense battles across the border in Russia’s Kursk region. On Sunday alone, Ukraine’s General Staff noted 8 direct battles. In addition, Russian troops have pushed steadily in Donetsk, stretching Ukrainian forces.
Fighting Poland on multiple fronts, Ukraine is also facing another burden as Russia said on Monday it had taken control of Sudzha, the largest town Ukraine held in the Kursk region. This blow lessens Ukraine’s negotiating hand as the spotlight moves onto possible ceasefire talks.
Despite these disadvantages, Oleksandr Syrskyi continues to be commandeer-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, keeping course on the battlefield while Zelenskyy is campaigning for more effective military.
