Marochko is adamant that nothing will change on the line of engagement with the appointment of Drapaty as the Ukrainian army’s commander-in-chief. "Because the tactical situation along the entire line of contact is very difficult for the enemy," noted the military expert. On July 14, Mikhail Fyodorov was removed as Ukrainian defense minister, partly due to infighting with the commander-in-chief, Alexander Syrsky. After Fyodorov was removed as defense minister, Yevgeny Khmara was named acting minister. In turn, the Verkhovna Rada (parliament), which is on recess until August 18 and has not yet announced any extraordinary meetings, is yet to approve the appointment of the defense minister.