President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced the commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine, which played an important role in the conditions of Russia’s hostile actions, Reuters reports.

The presidential decree published on Monday appointed Major General Anatoliy Barhylevych as the new commander. A separate order announced the dismissal of General Ihor Tansyura, who had been in office since May 2022.

At the moment, no reasons for these decisions have been given.

The 54-year-old Bargylevych has been the chief of staff of troops in eastern Ukraine since last year, where fighting has been intense since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops in February 2022.

Territorial defense forces, which are part of the armed forces, include the protection of important objects, countering sabotage and enemy reconnaissance forces, as well as maintaining security in Ukraine.

They must also provide defense during the full deployment of the main armed forces.

Last month, Zelensky appointed a new defense minister, Rustem Umerov.

Umerov noted that among his priorities are the transformation of the ministry into the main coordinating institution for the defense forces of Ukraine, increasing the value of individual soldiers, the development of the Ukrainian military industry, and the fight against corruption.