Zelensky Appoints Kovalenko as Commander of Ukraine's Communications and Cyber Forces

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed Presidential Decree No. 931/2026, appointing Oleksiy Kovalenko as Commander of the Communications and Cybersecurity Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

New Appointment

Prior to this appointment, Brigadier General Kovalenko served as head of the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informatization named after the Heroes of Kruty. His appointment to lead the newly structured Communications and Cybersecurity Forces marks a significant step in Ukraine's efforts to integrate modern digital warfare capabilities within its military command structure.

The Communications and Cybersecurity Forces were formally recognised as a separate military branch earlier in 2026. In August, President Zelensky signed a decree establishing the Day of the Communications and Cybersecurity Forces, to be observed annually on August 8, replacing the earlier Day of Communications Troops established in 2000.