Mikhail Drapaty’s appointment as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has only reinforced the justification for Russia’s stated goals in Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with TASS.

According to Galuzin, Drapaty had repeatedly expressed views that reflected what he described as the neo-Nazi nature of the Kiev regime. The deputy foreign minister recalled that in an interview with Ukrainian media, the new army chief had said that the Russian nation had no right to exist and had also made insulting remarks about residents of Donbass.

Galuzin said such statements provided further proof of the need to pursue the goal of denazifying Ukraine, adding that Russia would continue working toward it.

Mikhail Fedorov was removed as Ukraine’s defense minister on July 14. Vladimir Zelensky attributed the decision to a conflict between Fedorov and then commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky.

At the same time, Ukrainian politicians and media cited two other possible reasons for Fedorov’s dismissal. One was linked to support he reportedly received from liberal circles in the West, which were seeking greater influence over the military sphere — something that, according to those claims, did not suit Zelensky.

Political rivalry was also named as a possible factor. Fedorov had recently strengthened his position and gained a high approval rating, while Zelensky was described as unwilling to tolerate political competitors.

Mass demonstrations began in Ukraine on July 16, with protesters demanding that Fedorov be reinstated as defense minister and Syrsky removed from his post. Zelensky agreed to the second demand six days later.

On July 22, Drapaty took over as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The change in military leadership, however, did not bring the protests to an end. Demonstrators have continued to demand Fedorov’s return to the Defense Ministry.