Zelensky replaces special operations chief for the second time in six months

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced the commander of his special forces on Thursday, the second time in the half year he changed the head of the unit operating in Moscow's occupied territories.

The dismissal of the colonel, Serhiy Lupanchuk, and the appointment of Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak, was announced in two decrees on the president's website that gave no explanation for the move.

Since 2014, Trepak has been active in defence operations in eastern Ukraine against Russia-backed separatists. He was committed to leading the push to ward off the Russian attack at Donnetsk Airport, one of the largest operations at the time, Reuters writes, broadcast Klankosova

The chain of command of the Ukrainian Army has been changed to different levels since February, when Zelenskiy replaced his top commander, Valeriy Zalluzny, with the then commander of the Oleksand Syrsky Land Forces in a severe shock