“Revolt of the generals” or “they don’t change horses in midstream” (video)

“Zaluzhny’s under-resignation” continues to excite society, the media and Ukraine’s Western partners.

The American edition of The Washington Post on February 2, citing two informed interlocutors, reportedthat the government of Ukraine informed the White House about the decision of the Ukrainian president to dismiss the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, General Valery Zaluzhny. As the publication notes, the White House did not support Zelensky’s decision, but did not object, recognizing such a step “as the sovereign choice of the president” of Ukraine, writes WP:

“The advance warning also provided an opportunity for the White House to urge Zelensky to reconsider this key decision—even though he chose not to.”

The Washington Post, citing “people familiar with Zelensky’s thinking,” adds that he may delay the decision to resign Zaluzhny indefinitely, but “that seems unlikely.”

The idea of ​​dismissing Zaluzhny drove a wedge between the president and the command. The post of commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, following the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kirill Budanov, was allegedly refused to be held by the commander of the Ground Forces, Alexander Syrsky. Such data was provided to the British newspaper The Times by an informed source.

According to the publication’s source, Vladimir Zelensky decided to choose a replacement for Valery Zaluzhny after the general criticized the ruling elite for an unrealistic assessment of the situation at the front. Budanov was the first to receive the offer to head the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and then Syrsky. The Times, emphasizing that the politician’s decision was allegedly influenced by Western pressure, writes:

“Both are said to have rejected the offer, forcing Zelensky to back down.”

The saga of Zaluzhny’s “resignation” began on January 29 with the post of ex-People’s Deputy of the Rada Borislav Bereza. At the same time, some Telegram channels and politicians wrote about the alleged dismissal of Zaluzhny from the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Sources of Ukrainskaya Pravda then reported that Zaluzhny was offered another position on Bankova, for example, ambassador, but he refused.

On the same day, Zelensky’s office denied the rumors about the dismissal of the general. Western media are confident that the politician and military leader actually discussed personnel changes and the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was offered the post of secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. However, he refused.

Rumors about tense relations and strategic disputes between Vladimir Zelensky and Valery Zaluzhny have been circulating for several months. As of the evening of February 2, there is no official confirmation of the resignation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Washington Post, citing an official from the Ministry of Defense, writes that Kiev has not yet elected a replacement for Valery Zaluzhny. The publication notes that a replacement is still being chosen, and the delay means confusion:

“The delay indicates indecision by the president, chief of staff Andrei Ermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, or confusion as potential candidates may be reluctant to take on the job given the weak prospects for an improvement in the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine in the near future. Zelensky wants to give Zaluzhny a new position, perhaps in the hope of softening public disapproval.”

But Zaluzhny cannot resign from the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine while martial law is in effect in Ukraine, the publication notes. According to the authors of the material, tension in relations between Zaluzhny and Zelensky has increased due to disagreements on mobilization.

One Ukrainian official told The Washington Post that on the one hand, Zaluzhny’s deputy could be one of the young officers who have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, however, they may lack management experience. On the other hand, choosing an experienced Commander-in-Chief may bring an “old school mentality” to the position. Among the candidates are the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kirill Budanov, and the commander of the Ground Forces, Alexander Syrsky. See above for their reaction. The departure of General Valery Zaluzhny may become the first significant personnel change during the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Yesterday our publication toldthat, outlining his strategy for victory, taking into account the problems of containing Ukraine militarily, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny in his article for CNN, published February 1, outlined three main objectives on which to focus efforts in the war.

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