KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as the chief of the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces to replace Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych.

The decrees to dismiss Barhylevych and appoint Hnatov, published on the presidential website, did not specify the reasons for the replacement.

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Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook that the reshuffle in the armed forces aims to enhance their combat effectiveness.

Umerov noted that Hnatov has over 27 years of military experience, having previously commanded a marine brigade, the troops of Operational Command East, and the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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According to a statement by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Barhylevych has been appointed chief inspector of the ministry with the mission to ensure compliance with military standards and strengthen discipline within the armed forces.

Barhylevych started in February 2024 to served as the chief of the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces.