On the evening of Sunday 16 March 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as the new Chief of General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This strategic decision might be presumed to align with ongoing military reforms aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia; but the timing of it is highly coincidental.
Biographical Overview of Andrii Hnatov
Major General Andrii Viktorovych Hnatov has had a distinguished military career spanning over two decades. A 2001 graduate of the Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops, Hnatov’s early career involved significant roles within Ukraine’s marine forces. From 2016 to 2018, he served as the chief of staff of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, later ascending to command this brigade, which was subsequently named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Belinsky, a senior military figure in the Ukraine People's Republic movement at the end of World War I. During the second Russian invasion of Ukraine he has managed a series of the most effective operations of the war, including the Battle of Mykolaiv, the liberation of Kherson and the defence of Bakhmut. He appears to be a modern and effective soldier in every sense.
In June 2024, Hnatov was appointed Commander of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (a sort of third-in-command within the Ukrainian Armed Forces structure), replacing Yuriy Sodol who had been fired for incompetence both in the defence of Mariupol and the establishment of a temporary bridgehead in the village of Krynky on the southeast side of the Dnipro river, northeast of Kherson. That bridgehead served little purpose save to result in a large number of casualties and it was eliminated by the Russians by mid-June 2024. Hnatov seemed to be destined for rapid promotion; he only held that position until 26 February 2025 (six months). Following this, he briefly served as Deputy Chief of the General Staff (i.e. about three weeks) - the second-in-command position - before his recent promotion to Chief of General Staff, i.e. Zelenskyy's personal advisor and formal head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Predecessor’s Tenure
Hnatov succeeds Lieutenant General Anatoliy Barhilevych, who had a notably brief tenure as Chief of General Staff - he was only appointed in February 2024. Appointed earlier in 2025, Barhilevych has now transitioned to the role of Inspector General of the Ministry of Defence, where he continues to oversee military standards and discipline. This sounds like a ct demotion but while maintaining a sense of dignity, so that he is not disgraced.
Barhilyevich's predecessor, Serhiy Shaptala, himself served as Chief of the General Staff from 2021 to 2024, and despite being appointed by Zelenskyy (before the second Russian invasion began), was seen as something of Poroshenko's man, Zelenskyy's predecessor. Nevertheless he served as a competent figure and advisor in very early times during the war. Exactly why Shaptala was replaced with a mere stop-gap figure Barhilyevich, to hold so important a position for a mere six months, is something of a mystery. It may simply be that the war was going relatively badly for Ukraine in the summer fighting season of 2024, and Zelenskyy decided that a fresh face and a fresh start was required. Hence it was decided to place Hnatov on a fast track to promotion in June 2024.
Transition from Brigade to Corps Structure
President Zelenskyy has emphasised the necessity of transforming Ukraine’s military structure from a brigade-centric model to a corps-based system. In military terminology, a brigade typically comprises 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers and operates as a self-sufficient unit with its own support and combat elements. A corps, however, is a larger formation, usually consisting of two to five divisions, with each division containing multiple brigades: a total of up to say 45,000-50,000 soldiers. This shift into a more hierarchical structure aims to enhance operational coordination, streamline command structures, and improve strategic flexibility.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have initiated this transition by establishing multiple army corps, including the 9th, 10th, and 11th, alongside specialised corps for the Airborne Assault Forces and the Marine Corps. The reorganisation involves scaling up top-performing brigades and integrating them into these larger corps formations. Each corps is assigned a specific area of responsibility and oversees at least five brigades, transitioning from administrative roles to active combat functions.
Given the enormous size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (2.2 million military personnel, not including reservists), slightly larger than the US Armed Forces at 2.1 military personnel, this sort of restructuring is essential and Hnatov may be seen as a leader of that process as well as someone who can coordinate the Ukrainian Armed Forces into NATO structures.
Timing Amidst International Negotiations
The timing of Hnatov’s appointment coincides with significant diplomatic developments. On the same Sunday evening, US President Donald Trump announced progress in ceasefire negotiations with Russia, indicating planned telephone discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday. This synchronicity suggests that Ukraine’s internal military reforms, including the appointment of a new Chief of General Staff, may be strategically aligned with broader international efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. It seems unimaginable that the Ukrainians would change their Chief of General Staff at this sensitive stage in the negotiations without prior consultation with the Americans who appear to be negotiating with Moscow on their behalf; or indeed possibly upon the Americans' request.
Modernisation as a Negotiation Factor
The modernisation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces could be a pivotal element in ceasefire or peace agreement negotiations. A restructured and modern military may serve as a deterrent against future aggression and demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to self-defence. Conversely, Russia might perceive a strengthened Ukrainian military as a threat, potentially influencing her stance in negotiations. Therefore the extent and nature of Ukraine’s military reforms are likely subjects of discussion in diplomatic dialogues mediated by the United States.
Conclusion
The appointment of Major General Andrii Hnatov as Chief of General Staff marks a significant step in Ukraine’s ongoing military transformation. His extensive experience and leadership are expected to facilitate the transition to a corps-based structure, thereby enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and their assimilation into NATO structures which is the opposite of what the Russians want but may serve as a compromise in the US-mediated peace negotiations. This internal restructuring occurs against the backdrop of critical international negotiations, underscoring the interconnectedness of military readiness and diplomatic efforts in addressing Ukraine’s security challenges and a sustainable peace.