Zelensky appointed a new commander of the Ground Forces: what is known about him

Syrsky was replaced by the former First Deputy Minister of Defense

President Vladimir Zelensky appointed Lieutenant General Alexander Pavlyuk as the new commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The corresponding decree was published on the president's website.

Before Pavlyuk, this position was held by Alexander Syrsky, who the day before was appointed the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“To appoint Lieutenant General Alexander Alekseevich Pavlyuk as commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the decree says.

What is known about Pavlyuk

With the start of the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, Lieutenant General Alexander Pavlyuk led the defense in eastern Ukraine. From March 15 to May 21, 2022, he headed the Kyiv Regional Military Administration. Pavlyuk ensured the organization of defense and repelling Russian aggression in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. He led stabilization measures in the liberated territories of the Kyiv region.

From May 2022 to February 21, 2023, he was chief of staff - deputy commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, Pavlyuk held the position of commander of the Group of Defense Forces and Means of Kyiv.

Since February 21, 2023, Alexander Pavlyuk has held the position of First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

For his contribution to strengthening the defense capability of Ukraine, personal courage and heroism, significant contribution to the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Pavlyuk received:

• the title of “Hero of Ukraine” with the award of the Order of the “Golden Star” (March 4, 2022);
• Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III and II degrees;
• medal “For Military Service to Ukraine” and others.