Ukraine’s President Zelensky Dismisses Top Commander in Major Military Shakeup Amid Russian Invasion
In a significant military shakeup, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has announced the dismissal of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the country’s top commander. This move comes as Ukraine faces a renewed Russian onslaught, manpower and ammunition shortages, and stalled US aid in Congress. The dismissal marks the biggest military shakeup since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion almost two years ago.
President Zelensky’s decision to remove General Zaluzhnyi follows tensions between the two leaders, particularly after Ukraine’s counteroffensive failed to achieve its desired results. In a Telegram post, Zelensky stated that he had discussed the renewal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Zaluzhnyi and emphasized that the time for such a renewal is now.
Replacing Zaluzhnyi will be Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has served as the Commander of Ukrainian Land Forces since 2019. Zaluzhnyi acknowledged the need for change and adaptation to new realities in a statement on his Telegram channel. Rumors of his dismissal had been circulating in Kyiv, and although initially denied by Zelensky’s office, the move was confirmed on Thursday.
Differences between Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi had been simmering for months and grew wider towards the end of last year. The army chief’s remarks in an essay and interview with The Economist magazine, where he described the war as reaching a stalemate, drew criticism from Zelensky’s office. The two leaders also clashed over the need for a mass mobilization effort, with Zaluzhnyi suggesting up to half a million draftees were required.
Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Zaluzhnyi is a political gamble, as the former military chief remains highly popular among Ukrainians. A poll by the Kyiv Institute of Sociology showed that 88% of Ukrainians supported Zaluzhnyi, while Zelensky’s approval rating stood at 62%. Analysts have speculated about Zaluzhnyi’s potential as a political rival to Zelensky in future elections, although the general has shown little political ambition so far.
In his exclusive CNN article, Zaluzhnyi expressed frustration over the inability of state institutions to improve the manpower levels of Ukraine’s armed forces without resorting to unpopular measures. He also highlighted problems in the defense industries, leading to production bottlenecks and ammunition shortages. Additionally, Zaluzhnyi warned that Ukraine was facing a reduction in military support from key allies due to their own political tensions and conflicts elsewhere.
Zaluzhnyi proposed that Ukraine should focus on mastering unmanned weapons systems, or drones, to avoid being drawn into a positional war along fortified frontlines. He emphasized that drones are the central driver of this war and could provide Ukraine’s army with an advantage.
The new military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, is a 59-year-old veteran who began his soldiering career during the last years of the Soviet Union. He played a prominent role in Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invaders in the eastern Donbas region in 2014 and 2015. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Syrskyi led the defense of Kyiv and commanded the successful counteroffensive in the region of Kharkiv later that year.
As Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression and internal challenges, the dismissal of General Zaluzhnyi and the appointment of General Syrskyi mark a significant turning point in the country’s military leadership. The decisions made by President Zelensky will shape Ukraine’s response to the ongoing invasion and its efforts to defend its sovereignty.