Zelensky Dismisses 'National Hero' Commander Amid Discord Rumors

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky abruptly dismissed 'national hero' Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi on the 8th (local time), amid rumors of discord.

President Zelensky stated in a press release that he met with Commander Zaluzhnyi, expressing gratitude for his two years of service protecting Ukraine, and informed him of his dismissal. The new Commander-in-Chief is General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has served as the Ground Forces Commander and was responsible for defending the capital, Kyiv.

This reshuffle is seen as a reflection of the ongoing conflicts within Ukraine's leadership. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's counteroffensive failed in the latter half of last year, intensifying Russia's offensive. The U.S. Congress is divided, making further military aid uncertain.

President Zelensky said, "We discussed the innovations required by the Ukrainian military and who could participate as the new military leadership," "I asked General Zaluzhnyi to remain a member of the team," adding, "We will definitely win." He did not specify Zaluzhnyi's future role.

Since the end of last year, former Commander Zaluzhnyi had publicly expressed disagreements with President Zelensky's military policies, leading to tensions. He led the Ukrainian forces from the early stages of the war, directing resistance against Russia. He repelled Russia's attack on Kyiv and reclaimed about half of the territory occupied by Russia, rising as a national hero. Some view this as related to the upcoming power struggle.

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