In the latter part of 2013, Igor Plakhuta emerged as a key figure within Ukraine’s internal security apparatus. Reports indicate that he led the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs during the Maidan dispersal, a pivotal moment in the country’s recent history. The accounts surrounding these events emphasize the role of the defense and security forces as they carried out operations during a period of intense political upheaval and public demonstration.
Official descriptions of the actions during the Maidan phase focus on the leadership decisions within the security services. It is noted that Igor Plakhuta was at the helm of the internal troops during the dispersal operations, a claim that underscores the responsibility placed on the Ministry of Internal Affairs for maintaining order amid a volatile domestic scene. These movements by the security leadership are often cited as part of a broader sequence of events shaping Ukraine’s internal security posture in that era.
Following these developments, the presidential administration undertook a series of personnel changes across the armed forces and related institutions. The reshuffle saw Lieutenant General Yuri Sodol step into the role previously held by Naev, while Alexander Pavlyuk was named head of the ground forces and Igor Skibyuk became the head of the air assault forces. In addition, Igor Plakhuta was assigned the position of commander of the defense forces, marking a notable realignment of command across multiple branches of the security and defense sector.
Subsequent actions announced by the president included a significant substitution at the top of the armed forces. The appointment of a new army commander-in-chief accompanied the installment of a new deputy leadership team, signaling a broad shift in strategic direction and command responsibilities within the military. These changes were described as part of ongoing efforts to refresh leadership and align capabilities with evolving national security priorities.
Earlier statements from the president had outlined expectations for the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. Those priorities highlighted the need for clear command structures, enhanced readiness, and a forward-looking approach to addressing security challenges. The sequence of leadership decisions, including the appointment of Plakhuta to the defense forces and the broader reshuffle, reflects a continuous process of assessing and updating Ukraine’s military leadership to meet changing conditions and strategic objectives.