Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy Fires Top Army Commander in Major Military Shake-up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed his top army commander, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, marking the country’s most significant military shake-up since Russia’s invasion almost two years ago. Zelenskiy thanked Zaluzhnyi for his service but emphasized the need for “renewal” in the armed forces. Despite Zaluzhnyi’s high approval ratings among Ukrainians, Zelenskiy appointed Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s land forces, as the new commander-in-chief.

The decision to remove Zaluzhnyi has sparked discussions in Ukraine, especially since details of a meeting last week, in which Zelenskiy asked him to resign, were leaked to the media. Zaluzhnyi, known for his popularity among troops and the public, refused to step down. Some suggest that Zelenskiy’s move may be driven by concerns that Zaluzhnyi could become a political opponent in the future.

In a video explaining the decision, Zelenskiy denied political motivations, stating the need for a new approach amid the difficult situation faced by frontline troops. The new commander, Syrskyi, led successful defenses early in the war but has faced mixed reviews from frontline troops, accusing him of indifference to soldiers’ lives during operations.

Critics argue that Zelenskiy’s decision lacks clarity and may be influenced more by fear of Zaluzhnyi’s popularity than operational concerns. The move comes as the war enters its third year, and Ukraine grapples with depleted ranks, lack of equipment, and challenges in mobilization. Zelenskiy’s adviser cited the need for “new decisions at the operational level when it comes to military strategy” as a justification for the change.