# Head of Ukraine’s Eastern Operational Command steps down amid military reshuffle

https://mins.news/en/item/63434

- The Kyiv Independent, 2026-09-17 23:32 UTC
- World
- Original: https://kyivindependent.com/head-of-ukraines-eastern-operational-command-steps-down-amid-military-reshuffle/

> Major General Viktor Nikoliuk announced his departure as head of Ukraine’s Eastern Operational Command on Sept. 17, amid reforms to unit staffing and manpower allocation led by newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi. Military sources said the command may be disbanded, with the eastern sector transferred to newly formed Azov and Center force groupings.