Ukraine’s popular army chief, Valery Zaluzhny, faced dismissal during a meeting at the president’s office, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move follows growing tensions between President Volodymyr Zelensky and his top commander, particularly after the Ukrainian counteroffensive’s failure last year.
Despite official denials, a presidential decree is anticipated by week’s end, marking a significant military shakeup since Russia’s invasion. Zaluzhny’s description of the conflict as a stalemate in an interview with The Economist in November intensified tensions. Reports suggest Zelensky offered Zaluzhny a different position, which was declined, solidifying the decision to remove him.
Officially, the president’s office and defense ministry refute the rumors, maintaining Zaluzhny’s current position. Potential successors include Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence Directorate, known for strong ties with Zelensky, and Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of Ukrainian Land Forces.
Despite the failure of the counteroffensive, Zaluzhny remains highly popular, with an 88% approval rating, compared to Zelensky’s 62%. The rift between the leaders became apparent over differing views on the war’s prosecution, with Zaluzhny’s assessment of a stalemate drawing criticism.
In December, Ukraine’s counteroffensive failed to significantly roll back Russian forces, leading to a call for a massive mobilization effort. Zaluzhny’s potential dismissal is met with criticism from soldiers on the front lines, expressing support for the general and suggesting political motivations behind the decision.
