KYIV (Agencies): General Valery Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the conflict with Russia, was officially dismissed from his position on Thursday. This decision follows President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent hint at such a move in an interview, which sparked a public backlash.
The announcement of Zaluzhny’s dismissal was made by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Facebook. Umerov praised Zaluzhny for executing “one of the most difficult tasks” by leading the military against Russia.
Umerov noted that the nature of war is evolving and necessitates change. He stated, “Combat in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are three different realities; 2024 will bring new changes that we must be prepared for. New approaches, new strategies are needed.”
He concluded by confirming that the decision to change the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was made today.