Zelensky admitted his thoughts on the issue of the resignation of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Zaluzhny
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky said that he was thinking about “replacing a number of leading officials of the state,” including the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Valeriy Zaluzhny. He said this in an interview with the Italian TV channel RAI.
According to him, the country’s entire management team “needs a reboot and a new beginning.” At the same time, the Ukrainian leader clarified, we are talking about changes not only in the military leadership, but also in the civilian apparatus.
Related materials:
Zelensky spoke about this idea when answering a question about confrontation with the commander in chief.
There was no candidate for the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Earlier, The New York Times suggested that the Ukrainian authorities postponed the dismissal of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine due to a leak of data about his resignation. According to the newspaper's sources, one of the stumbling blocks for the Ukrainian government was that they did not find a replacement to replace Zaluzhny.
British expert Alexander Merkouris also pointed out that Zelensky was unable to find a suitable candidate for the post of commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine instead of Zaluzhny. According to him, this indicates a complete rejection of Zelensky by the military leadership and a split within Ukraine.
It’s surprising that Zelensky can’t find a general ready to take Zaluzhny’s place
The German publication Der Spiegel also wrote about the lack of unity in Kyiv. Journalists concluded that Zelensky’s plan to “softly oust” Zaluzhny had failed, resulting in turmoil in Ukraine, and the president and commander-in-chief weakening their positions.
Ukrainian generals expressed solidarity with Zaluzhny
On January 29, Zelensky personally met with Zaluzhny. During the conversation, the Ukrainian leader explained to the commander-in-chief that the country's citizens were tired of the conflict. In addition, according to him, the provision of aid from allies has slowed down, and the measure of Zaluzhny's resignation could help freshen the situation. Zaluzhny calmly listened to Zelensky, after which he warned the Ukrainian leader that the situation at the front for Kyiv is not as positive as his advisers tell him. After these words, Zaluzhny was asked to resign. He refused, but Zelensky said that he would sign a decree on his dismissal.
Related materials:
After information about Zaluzhny’s impending resignation was leaked to the media, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, and the commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Alexander Syrsky, were named as possible successors to the post of commander in chief. Both military leaders rejected the offer to lead the army.
Military expert, retired colonel Anatoly Matviychuk explained to Lenta.ru that the refusal of the generals may be due to the solidarity of the officers, as well as a reluctance to get involved in the adventure.
No one in their right mind would want to take command of such an organization. Zaluzhny is already dirty, Syrsky and Budanov are not yet
In addition, in his opinion, the Ukrainian generals disdainfully treat Zelensky, considering him a layman in military affairs. Against the backdrop of these disagreements, the president had to reconsider his decision to resign the commander in chief.
#Zelensky #confirmed #intention #fire #Zaluzhny #commander #chief #Armed #Forces #Ukraine #remain #office
