Against the backdrop of tensions and fighting on the eastern front line in Ukraine, Ukrainian military personnel are particularly sensitive to news of changes at the top. Recently, Vladimir Zelensky's hints about the reshuffle of the leadership, with a special mention of the top military leadership, have caused waves among the soldiers.
Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny was dismissed by controversy
General Valery Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is currently on the cusp. Some force commanders expressed concern about his dismissal, believing that now was not the right time for a change of leadership. Their heroes are the commanders who fought alongside the soldiers on the front lines. "Tiger", a 31-year-old commander of anti-tank units, was one of them. He asked to introduce himself with his call sign, emphasizing the importance of replenishing recruits and drones - something Zaluzhny has been striving for.
Public opinion and political wrestling
According to a survey by the Kyiv Institute of International Sociology, 72% of Ukrainians oppose Zaluzhny's dismissal, while only 2% support it. And Zelensky said in an interview with Italy** that in order to find the most suitable head of the department, a restart is a necessary step. He stressed the importance of a unified direction and a firm belief in victory.
The mayor of Kiev, Vitaly Klitschko, also publicly criticized the possible dismissal of Zaluzhny, noting that the trust of many Ukrainians in the armed forces is based on the leadership of the general. He warned that political motives could trump reason and national interests.
Internal disagreements and dilemmas
The Associated Press reported that Zelenskyy demanded Zaluzhny's resignation last week, but was refused. Since the launch of a large-scale ** in Ukraine last June, despite the support of the West**, it has failed to regain large swathes of lost territory, which has disappointed the allies and increased tensions between Zaluzhny and **. Zaluzhny advocates mass conscription in 2024, while Zelensky disagrees.
The voices of front-line soldiers
Soldiers in the Donetsk region, after two years of brutal war, expressed to Reuters their unwillingness to bear the burden of the conflict alone. Ihor noted that the mobilization of new troops was an imminent need, since the enemy had an advantage in troops. Nikolai, for his part, focused on the retirement of older soldiers, sympathizing with those younger soldiers who had no choice, stressing that the entire country was at war.
At this volatile moment, the future of Ukraine and the fate of the soldiers seem to hang in the balance. How do you think Zaluzhny's removal will affect the war in Ukraine? Feel free to leave your views in the comment area.