KYIV, July 22 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appointed Major General Mykhailo Drabatiy as commander-in-chief of the army after days of street protests, in a move that represents the biggest change in military leadership since the outbreak of war with Russia.

Drapati is a respected veteran commander who led the ground forces from 2024 to 2025 and is seen as a general of the new generation. Drapati, 43, replaced Oleksandr Sersky, 60.

Zelensky’s cabinet reshuffle last week, which saw the dismissal of reformist, tech-savvy Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, after only six months in office, has raised concerns among analysts that Ukraine may be losing the momentum it has recently gained on the battlefield.

Ukraine is seeking to take the lead in the war by delivering powerful blows to the Russian energy sector – which is the main source of budget revenues – and to logistical operations.

"The operations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are ongoing and must continue steadily," Zelensky said while introducing Drabati.