Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a significant leadership change in the country's military command, replacing Chief of General Staff Anatoliy Bargylevych with Andriy Gnatov. The decision, formalized through a decree on Sunday, comes as Russia intensifies its offensive across multiple frontlines.

According to the official statement, Gnatov's primary task will be to enhance the military's operational efficiency. Zelensky noted the new appointee's extensive combat experience, stating, "He is a combat guy."

"His task is to bring more combat experience, the experience of our brigades in planning operations, defensive and offensive, as well as more active development of the corps system," Zelensky added. "Everything that our brigades have learned from the war should be implemented one hundred percent at the planning level." 

Military overhaul amid worsening battlefield conditions

Ukraine's military has expanded significantly since the start of the war in February 2022, prompting a restructuring effort aimed at improving battlefield coordination and decision-making.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov addressed the change, stating, "We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness. This involves restructuring the command system and implementing clear standards."

He also underscored Gnatov's 27 years of military experience, indicating his potential to strengthen Ukraine's operational command. Bargylevych, the outgoing chief, has been reassigned as chief inspector of the defense ministry.

Read more: Ukraine forces in Kursk isolated, destroyed: Russian chief of staff

Russian forces claim heavy Ukrainian losses

The leadership shift comes as Russia reports having inflicted severe losses on Ukrainian forces across key frontlines. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported major attacks in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions, stating that Ukrainian forces have suffered hundreds of casualties.

In Donetsk, Russian troops reportedly engaged Ukrainian mechanized and artillery brigades, with Moscow estimating 545 Ukrainian casualties alongside the destruction of tanks, armored vehicles, and Western-supplied artillery systems. In Kharkiv, Russian forces claimed to have struck Ukrainian assault units and border guards, allegedly eliminating up to 70 personnel and multiple artillery positions.

Russian officials further reported intense battles in Zaporizhia and Kherson, where Ukrainian coastal defense and mountain assault brigades reportedly suffered significant setbacks. Additionally, Moscow claims to have carried out precision strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure, targeting airfields, drone production sites, and troop concentrations.