Leading Ukrainian generals have been assigned responsibility for the main front sector from Sumy to Kherson as part of a revised command structure within the Armed Forces.
For the main sector of the war from Sumy region to Kherson region, the responsibility will lie with Ukraine’s top generals — Mykhailo Drapatyi for the Joint Forces, Viktor Nykoliuk for the “East” operational command, and Mykhailo Sydorenko for the “South” operational command — DeepState reports regarding Nykoliuk’s appointment.
“Major General Viktor Nykoliuk has been appointed commander of the ‘East’ operational command. This is an extremely necessary and important appointment for a key sector.
General Nykoliuk earned a strong reputation during the defense of Chernihiv. He was later appointed commander of the Training Command of the Ground Forces, but due to his desire to be in the combat zone, he moved to a less significant position — chief of staff of the Donetsk Operational-Tactical Grouping.
For a long time, he was a pillar for other competent officers and became known for knowing the battlefield better than many brigade commanders, who often tried to mislead the OTG.
He later took command of the Donetsk OTG. After the corps reform, he was assigned to the 20th Army Corps.
Now he will command an entire operational command that includes five army corps.
Thus, the main sector of the war from Sumy to Kherson will be led by Ukraine’s best generals.
It is to be hoped that no one will interfere with them and that 2026 can finally be called a successful year for the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Ukrainian military sources previously reported a conflict between Viktor Nykoliuk and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, after which Syrskyi “effectively removed Nykoliuk from combat command and tried to push him out,” although he did not succeed.
2026 January → February → March → April → May → June
Tags: defense strategy EMPR media Kherson front military command Russia invasion sumy region ukraine war ukrainian army
