Rumors of Feud and Potential Ousting of General Zaluzhny by President Zelenskyy Spark Concern in Ukraine
In a surprising turn of events, rumors have begun circulating in Ukraine about a potential feud between President Zelenskyy and General Zaluzhny, the country’s esteemed military leader. Speculations have also arisen regarding the president’s intention to oust the general from his position. These rumors gained traction towards the end of 2022 when media reports suggested that Zelenskyy was considering replacing Zaluzhny with Ukraine’s Land Forces commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, who is perceived to be more aligned with the president’s interests.
The alleged feud between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhny has deeper roots than mere political differences. It is believed that the president sees the general as a potential political rival, which has further fueled tensions between the two. Although presidential elections have been postponed due to the ongoing war, Zaluzhny’s popularity among the Ukrainian public could potentially translate into significant electoral power.
While General Zaluzhny has not yet made a definitive decision to enter politics, sources close to him have indicated that he is considering this option. This possibility has raised concerns within the president’s office, as they fear the potential impact of Zaluzhny’s entry into the political arena.
A recent poll conducted in December revealed a decline in public trust towards President Zelenskyy. His approval rating dropped to 62 percent, compared to an impressive 84 percent the previous year. Despite this decline, Zelenskyy remains the highest-ranked politician in Ukraine. In contrast, General Zaluzhny enjoys a remarkable level of trust among the Ukrainian population, with 88 percent of those polled expressing confidence in him.
Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed that Zaluzhny is the most trusted among Ukraine’s senior military commanders. This finding highlights the general’s significant influence and standing within the country.
The potential tensions between President Zelenskyy and General Zaluzhny come at a critical time for Ukraine, as the nation continues to grapple with an existential war. The prospect of discord at the highest level of leadership is dismaying for many Ukrainians. According to the poll, more than 70 percent of respondents would react negatively if Zelenskyy were to dismiss Zaluzhny from his position.
As this situation unfolds, it is important to note that these developments have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Matt Berg, reporting from Washington, and Veronika Melkozerova, reporting from Kyiv, have shed light on the growing concerns surrounding the potential feud and ousting of General Zaluzhny. The implications of these events could have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine’s political landscape and its ongoing struggle for stability and security.
In conclusion, the rumors of a feud between President Zelenskyy and General Zaluzhny, along with the possibility of the general’s ousting, have sparked concern throughout Ukraine. With Zaluzhny’s popularity and potential political aspirations, the situation has the potential to significantly impact the country’s future. As tensions rise amidst an existential war, Ukrainians anxiously await further developments in this unfolding political drama.
