Ukraine’s President Zelensky to Fire Top Military Commander, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny
In a surprising move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to fire his top military commander, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny. This decision, which is seen as the most significant personnel shake-up of the war, has been informed to the White House by the Ukrainian government. While White House officials did not express support or objection to the decision, they acknowledged it as President Zelensky’s sovereign choice.
The decision to inform the United States in advance reflects the influential role of the US as Ukraine’s most powerful military and political backer. It also provided an opportunity for the White House to urge Zelensky to reconsider the decision, although they ultimately decided against doing so.
The departure of Gen. Zaluzhny, who is one of the most popular figures in Ukrainian society, could have significant implications for troop morale and Western donors’ confidence in Ukraine’s military. The country is currently struggling to fend off advancing Russian forces, and Zaluzhny and Zelensky have clashed over their differing strategies for overcoming battlefield setbacks.
However, any attempt by the United States to challenge Zelensky’s decision could be seen as exerting undue influence. Experts argue that a president has the right to choose his cabinet as he sees fit, and the consequences of such a decision should rest with Zelensky himself.
While Zelensky has the option to delay action on the decision indefinitely, sources familiar with his thinking suggest that this is unlikely. The distrust between Zelensky and Zaluzhny has been growing over the years due to suspicions of political ambitions and disagreements on key military matters. Zaluzhny has advocated for mobilizing around 500,000 new soldiers, citing the need to make gains on the battlefield and prepare for expected personnel losses. However, Zelensky has pushed back on such aggressive conscription due to financial constraints and potential political unpopularity.
During a tense meeting on Monday, Zelensky informed Zaluzhny of his dismissal, according to a senior Ukrainian official. Zelensky’s spokesman initially denied the firing but has not responded to further requests for comment.
Finding a replacement for Zaluzhny poses a significant challenge. One potential candidate is Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s head of military intelligence. Budanov’s background in special forces could signal a shift towards asymmetric tactics, such as drone strikes deep into Russian territory. However, it remains unclear if he wants the position.
Another option is Oleksandr Syrsky, the current ground forces commander. Syrsky is credited with leading the defense of Kyiv during the early stages of the war and orchestrating a successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. However, he is disliked among rank-and-file soldiers, who view him as a Soviet-style commander who kept forces under fire for too long.
Whoever replaces Zaluzhny, it is uncertain whether it will put an end to the public disputes between the general and the president. Zaluzhny is expected to remain a popular figure in Ukraine, and his successor’s effectiveness on the battlefield will play a crucial role in determining Ukraine’s military performance.
Overall, President Zelensky’s decision to fire Gen. Valery Zaluzhny has significant implications for Ukraine’s military and political landscape. The move reflects Zelensky’s desire for a new commander who can rejuvenate Kyiv’s fortunes in the ongoing war against Russia. However, the decision also highlights the delicate balance between Ukraine’s sovereignty and its reliance on international support, particularly from the United States. As Ukraine navigates this critical personnel shake-up, the world will be watching closely to see how it impacts the country’s military performance and its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
