Svyatoslav Zaits headed the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what is known about him

The Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have a new commander – Svyatoslav Zaits. Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed him to the position after the dismissal of Gennady Shapovalov.

This is stated in the decree of the President of Ukraine.

The appointment document states: “To appoint Zaits Svyatoslav Anatolyevich as Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

At the same time, by a separate decree, Zelensky dismissed Gennady Shapovalov from this position.

Zaits is a career officer in the Airborne Assault Forces. His military career is associated, in particular, with the 25th Airborne Brigade.

In 2014, he and his unit were in Crimea at the beginning of the Russian occupation. At that time, Zaits led a reconnaissance company. The Ukrainian military remained blocked on the peninsula for a month, but did not agree to the demands of the Russian military.

After that, Zaits was able to withdraw the unit to the mainland of Ukraine. He continued his service in the DShV and later became the chief of staff – deputy commander of the 8th Corps.

In 2016, Zaits was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd degree. He was awarded the award for his contribution to Ukraine’s defense capability, courage, and professionalism during military service.

Prior to his appointment as commander of the Land Forces, Zaits headed the 20th Army Corps. He was appointed to this position in April 2026.

Now he will command the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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