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Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The role of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, known in Ukrainian as Головнокомандувач Збройних сил України (romanized as Holovnokomanduvach Zbroinykh syl Ukrayiny), represents the apex of professional military leadership within the Armed Forces of Ukraine . This distinct position, established on March 28, 2020, by presidential decree under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , fundamentally reshaped the command structure. Prior to this, the Chief of the General Staff had historically held the dual responsibility of being the effective commander-in-chief. The creation of this separate, dedicated role signifies a strategic realignment in how Ukraine’s military might is directed and managed, aiming for a more specialized and focused leadership at the highest echelon.

Role

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine bears the ultimate responsibility for directing the nation’s military forces. This encompasses not only the strategic deployment and operational command but also a vigilant oversight of the army’s readiness and capabilities. This includes monitoring the state of military equipment, assessing the effectiveness of weaponry, and managing all other essential resources. Crucially, the Commander-in-Chief serves as the primary conduit for reporting on the progress and challenges in achieving national defense objectives, providing direct updates to both the President and the Minister of Defense .

Further elaborating on this mandate, the Law of Ukraine “On the Armed Forces of Ukraine” delineates direct military leadership as a multifaceted activity. It involves the meticulous implementation of measures designed for the comprehensive development of the Armed Forces, encompassing their technical modernization, rigorous training regimens, and holistic support systems. This also extends to defining the fundamental principles governing their application and overall management, ensuring a coherent and effective military posture.

It’s important to note the historical context: until March 27, 2020, the organizational framework dictated by Article 8 of the aforementioned Law of Ukraine “On the Armed Forces of Ukraine” vested the command-in-chief authority in the Chief of the General Staff. The subsequent shift to a distinct Commander-in-Chief role marked a significant structural reform.

In a notable event on March 5, 2022, Lieutenant General Valerii Zaluzhnyi , who was serving as the Commander-in-Chief at the time, received a promotion to the rank of General directly from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the critical importance of the position during a period of heightened national security.

Commander-in-Chief List

The following individuals have held the esteemed position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine since its inception:

Deputy Commander-in-Chief

The role of Deputy Commander-in-Chief is crucial in supporting the primary command functions and ensuring the seamless operation of the armed forces.