Kyiv: In a recent interview with Italian RAI TV, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he is contemplating the possible dismissal of the country’s Chief of the General Staff, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. This revelation has sparked concerns within Ukraine, currently grappling with Russia’s invasion, and has raised alarms among Kyiv’s Western allies.
Zelenskyy clarified that his consideration of a replacement is not limited to the military sphere but is part of a broader effort to redefine the country’s trajectory. He emphasized the need for a reset and a new beginning, highlighting the importance of unified direction and positive energy for achieving victory in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
This announcement marks Zelenskyy’s first confirmation of his contemplation to dismiss General Zaluzhnyi, who is widely popular in Ukraine. The move has caused a stir within the nation and has garnered attention from the Kremlin as the conflict approaches its second anniversary.
Reports indicate that last week, Zelenskyy offered Zaluzhnyi the option to resign, which the general declined. Zaluzhnyi has not commented on the matter. Tensions between the president and the military leader have escalated, particularly in the face of challenges such as ammunition and personnel shortages following an unsuccessful summer counteroffensive. Disagreements over the need for a broad mobilization to address these shortages have contributed to the strained relationship.
In the past year, Zelenskyy rejected the military’s proposal to mobilize up to 500,000 people, seeking more details about the organization and funding. The public discord between Zaluzhnyi and Zelenskyy first became apparent when the general acknowledged a stalemate in the fighting with Russia, a statement that the president vehemently denied.
Ukraine, currently facing Russian forces advancing on multiple fronts along the 1,500-km frontline, is in dire need of increased Western military assistance. However, an aid package has faced obstacles in the US Congress. The potential dismissal of Zaluzhnyi could introduce uncertainty among Western allies, while Russia views the situation with satisfaction, highlighting divisions in Ukrainian leadership, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
