Background, education, personal life and early career Mykhailo Drapaty, 43, is a professional officer who was served his entire career in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). From 2014 he has troops in combat successfully, at every level of command to which he was assigned. By conventional war experience, he is one of the most seasoned field commanders in the AFU and by many measures in the continent of Europe. Drapaty was born in Ukraine’s western city Kamianets-Podilskyi, in Khmelnytsky region. His wife Yuliia Drapata teaches at Bila Tserkva Art School No. 5 and is a member of the bandura (a Ukrainian stringed instrument) ensemble “Oleksandriia.” The couple met when then-lieutenant Drapaty was assigned to 72nd Mechanized Brigade, an “old military” formation based in Bila Tserkva. The Drapatys have two children, a son and a daughter.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. As a commander, Drapaty is known for a hands-on leadership style emphasizing soldier mastery of weapons and combat drills, authority and professionalism in junior leaders and initiative and physical fitness for all. Former subordinates recall Drapaty is comfortable sharing a joke or a beer with subordinates but that his style is 24/7 “in command.” He has criticized Soviet-style discipline allowing no initiative as a “culture of fear.” In early interviews Drapaty told reporters the most difficult part of commanding troops is being responsible for soldier lives. He is a graduate of the famous (in Ukraine) Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops.