In a surprising move, President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, amid speculation of a rift between the two leaders. The decision comes as the country continues its war effort against Russia, making it the most significant change in military leadership since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The new commander-in-chief, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, is a battle-hardened general with experience in both defensive and offensive warfare. He played a crucial role in defending Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, at the start of Russia’s invasion and later led a successful counter-attack in Kharkiv. Gen Syrskyi has since been heading military operations in eastern Ukraine, a key front in Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
President Zelensky emphasized the need for a “renewed” high command in the armed forces to achieve Ukraine’s goals in the war. He stressed that the focus should be on modernizing the army’s actions and resetting the generalship. The president expects a detailed plan this year, taking into account the reality of the war with Russia.
While the decision has received mixed reactions, with opposition MPs criticizing the shake-up, Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko expressed gratitude to Gen Zaluzhnyi for his service and hoped that the authorities would justify the changes. On the other hand, opposition MP Oleksii Honcharenko called the move by the president “a huge mistake” and warned of potential risks for the country.
Ukraine’s defence minister, Rustem Umerov, acknowledged the challenging task faced by Gen Zaluzhnyi during the war and expressed gratitude for his achievements. He stated that the nature of war evolves and requires new approaches and strategies, pointing to the need for change in military leadership.
The impact of this leadership change on Ukraine’s war efforts remains to be seen. It is crucial for the new management team, under Gen Syrskyi’s leadership, to effectively navigate the complex dynamics of the conflict and work towards achieving Ukraine’s ultimate goal of maintaining its independence.
