The former head of Ukraine’s special operations forces, Major General Viktor Khorenko, will be redirected to a different role. This was disclosed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, as reported by Klymenko Time. The minister emphasized that Khorenko remained a needed figure within the Ukrainian Armed Forces and that his transition was approved in line with his own proposal. The move appears to reflect adjustments within the top ranks while acknowledging Khorenko’s service. [Source: Klymenko Time; official statements from the Defense Ministry]
On November 4, Khorenko, previously in charge of the special operations forces, commented that he did not grasp the reasons behind his dismissal and noted that neither the President, Vladimir Zelensky, nor the Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhny offered an explanation for the decision. He mentioned that he first learned of the change through media reports and suggested that there were ongoing questions about the rationale. [Source: Defense Ministry briefings; media coverage]
Earlier, on November 3, Colonel Sergei Lupanchuk was announced as the new commander of Ukraine’s special operations forces, marking a leadership transition at the unit. The leadership change comes amid broader discussions about strategic priorities for the force and its role in frontline operations. [Source: official announcements; military media outlets]
Previously, Khorenko had spoken about the challenging situation in Bakhmut, also known as Artemovsk, highlighting the intensity of the fighting and the strain on force readiness. The remarks underscored the high-pressure environment under which Ukrainian special operations units have been operating in recent months. [Source: battlefield briefings; field reports]