Kyiv, Ukraine – Tensions between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and his popular army chief Valery Zaluzhny have culminated in Zaluzhny being fired, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Although the formal announcement had not been made as of Wednesday evening, a presidential decree is expected by the end of the week. This would mark the biggest military shakeup by Zelensky since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost two years ago.
Speculation over the dismissal of Zaluzhny, who remains one of the most popular leaders in Ukraine despite the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, has been fueled by the rumored tensions between him and Zelensky. The situation worsened when Zaluzhny described the war with Russia as a stalemate in November, a comment that reportedly heightened tensions with the president. Reports indicate that Zaluzhny declined a different position offered by Zelensky, further solidifying the decision to remove him from his current post.
The dismissal of Zaluzhny has sparked discussions about potential successors, with two names in particular being highlighted. Kyrylo Budanov, the current head of the Defense Intelligence Directorate, has emerged as a possible replacement due to his strong ties with Zelensky and representation of a new generation of military leaders. Another frontrunner is Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander of Ukrainian Land Forces. However, it remains unclear whether either of the two will be Zaluzhny’s successor.
The tension between Zelensky and Zaluzhny comes in the wake of Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive against Russian forces, which aimed to drive them back from territories occupied since 2022. Despite the lack of progress, Zaluzhny maintains immense popularity in the country, with 88% of Ukrainians showing support for him in a recent poll conducted in December. This contrasts with Zelensky’s approval rating, which stands at 62%. The dismissal of Zaluzhny has raised concerns among some soldiers, with one commenting that it seems like “Zelensky’s guys” have sold them out.
The fallout between Zelensky and Zaluzhny underscores the challenges Ukraine continues to face in its conflict with Russia, as it grapples with leadership tensions and a lack of progress in its military efforts. As the country navigates this new development, the search for Zaluzhny’s replacement remains a topic of interest, with the potential for significant implications in Ukraine’s ongoing battle with Russian forces.