In brief: President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday, Nov. 6, that he and Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi are preparing personnel reshuffles within the military leadership as Kyiv prepares for upcoming diplomatic tracks. Zelensky also held consultations with the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) group to secure urgent winter assistance, while confirming ongoing coordination for tripartite formats involving the US, Europe, and Russia ahead of Abu Dhabi talks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday evening, Nov. 6, that he is preparing personnel reshuffles within the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) alongside Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi.
Speaking during his daily video address, Zelensky said the decisions form part of broader efforts to adjust Ukraine’s military and diplomatic posture ahead of winter.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“It is not simple, but we must enter the diplomatic track – move toward ending the war,” Zelensky said.
“We are coordinating with partners. Ukraine is doing everything so that there is peace. One more thing. We are preparing decisions with the commander-in-chief [Mykhailo Drapatyi] – personnel decisions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
The president did not disclose which commands or senior officers will be affected by the forthcoming changes.
International support sought by Ukraine ahead of winter
Zelensky said he held consultations on Friday with leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) group, briefing regional heads of state on Ukraine’s urgent defense and energy needs ahead of the cold season.
“They have been informed about our needs before winter,” Zelensky said.
“And we count on support. We are not slowing our activity to ensure meetings happen – formats with Americans, Europeans, and Russians.”
The diplomatic outreach comes as Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegations prepare for working-level consultations in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10-11, marking the first direct diplomatic contacts mediated by Washington since February.
Russian Drone Hits Kyiv Region Home, Killing 1
How Ukrainian forces degraded Russian capabilities in October
The planned military changes follow a month of attrition inflicted on Russian invading forces.
On Nov. 1, Russian forces suffered a record 2,500 casualties in a single day, according to the General Staff of the AFU, marking the highest single-day toll since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The previous high of 2,250 casualties occurred on Oct. 21.
A Defense Ministry report published on Nov. 3 said Ukrainian forces struck at least 30 strategic targets inside Russia during October, reaching distances up to 650 kilometers (404 miles) across the border.
The deep-strike campaign targeted seven defense-industrial and aerospace sites, three military airbases, and key radar and logistics installations to disrupt weapons production and reduce Russian guided bomb strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Concurrently, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) under Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi reported neutralizing 16,796 Russian soldiers and hitting 64,807 targets across 255,605 combat missions in October, setting a monthly record for the drone service branch.
Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.
Zelensky: Ready to Meet Putin in Turkey, Rules Out Concessions
Ukraine Knocks Out 15 Russian Refineries, $23 Billion in Damage
Kremlin Says Ukraine Peace Talks Hinge on Battlefield, Rejects European Role
Zelensky: Musk in Contact With Putin Since War’s Start
Zelensky Warns of Fresh Russian Strikes on Bridges, Energy Grid
‘The Worst Situation’: Zelensky and Klitschko Clash Over Energy Crisis
Ukraine Seeks New Contract for Starshield Amid Connectivity Challenges
Sybiha Expects ‘New Dynamic’ in US Support for Ukraine After Midterms
Budanov: Russia Strikes Energy Grid to Spark Protests
Poland Pledges €1.8 mln Zlotys for Generators, Eyes Abu Dhabi Talks
