Zelenskyy replaces chief of general staff as battles rage on in Kursk, Donetsk

Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Telegram on Sunday (March 16) that Andrii Hnatov has been appointed as the new Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The move comes amidst an effort by the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to restructure and strengthen its military in the backdrop of ongoing battles in Russia’s Kursk region and Ukraine’s Donetsk.

“We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness,” said the defence minister.

Hnatov will replace Anatoliy Barhylevych, who was appointed by Zelenskyy for the role in February last year. Umerov said that Barhylevych will continue to “remain part of the team” and now serve as the General Inspector of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry. His main job now would be to oversee military standards and strengthen discipline in the army.

Changes common in Ukraine’s military leadership

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy has frequently reshuffled Ukraine’s government and military leadership.

The latest changes come as fighting continues in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine’s General Staff reported eight combat clashes on Sunday.

“In addition, the enemy launched nine air strikes, dropping 16 guided aerial bombs, and fired 104 times at Ukrainian troops’ positions and localities,” an afternoon update by the general staff read.

The Kursk offensive

Kyiv forces took Russia by surprise in August 2024 when they launched cross-border attacks and occupied territories of an estimated 1,300 square kilometres in the Kursk region.

However, seven months down the line, Ukrainian forces are abandoning the region, which effectively erodes a valuable bargaining chip as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia. Last week, Russia regained control of key town of Sudzha.

Yuri Podolyaka, a pro-Russian military blogger, reported that the Russian forces have pushed back invading Kyiv forces to the border in some areas. Some reports say Russia’s advance has been hindered because they need to clear large numbers of mines

But Kursk is not the only problem.

Ukraine is also battling under growing pressure in its eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months.

(With inputs from agencies)