On January 29th, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski reportedly offered Valeri Zalujnîi, Chief Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a new role as defense advisor, but the general refused, according to The Financial Times, citing four sources familiar with the negotiations. Two of the publication’s sources said that the president “clearly told” Zalujnîi that “regardless of whether he accepted the role, he would be dismissed from his current position.”
FT’s sources stated that although the President’s Office has made the decision to dismiss Zalujnîi, it is possible that he will not be fired immediately, as information about these plans has appeared in the Ukrainian press.
On Monday, January 29th, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied the information that Chief Commander Valeri Zalujnîi had been dismissed.
Social media erupted on Monday night after a few prominent politicians and journalists suggested that Zalujnîi was on the verge of being fired.
In a post on Telegram, the Defense Ministry said: “Dear journalists, we respond immediately to everyone: no, it is not true.”
The Ukrainian President’s Office rejected reports that Volodimir Zelenski had removed his top general, Valeri Zalujnîi, after statements and contradictions regarding his position following months of speculation about a rift between the two. Earlier, former Ukrainian parliamentarian Borislav Bereza claimed to have received confirmation that Zalujnîi had been dismissed.
In a post on Facebook, he wrote: “My sources in the President’s Office informed me that Zalujnîi was dismissed from his position as Chief Commander of the Armed Forces. I sincerely hope that this information is not confirmed.”
However, when asked if this was true, Zelenski’s spokesperson Serhii Nikiforov replied, “categorically no – the president did not dismiss the chief commander,” according to Ukrainska Pravda.
The President’s proposed new role for Zalujnîi comes after weeks of speculation about his fate, fueled by reports of tensions between the two.
The British publication suggests that Zalujnîi’s dismissal could cause outrage among the Ukrainian military and civil society, as he enjoys immense support. According to a Ukrainian survey published in December, 88% of Ukrainians said they trust Zalujnîi, compared to 62% who said they trust President Zelenski.
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